Dr Julian Lewis: Is it the Home Secretary's [David Blunkett's] intention that DNA from convicted sex offenders should be added permanently to the police national database?

[Mr Blunkett: Currently, half the people who have committed a crime are on the DNA database. It is my intention that that task should be completed by the middle of next year, which will put about 3 million on the database. Those who are currently in custody should have a sample of their DNA taken, which will assist us in apprehending future offenders. I stress that, although it is critical to pick up those who commit crime, preventing crime must be the paramount requirement.]