20818 Human Provenance Pilot Project
We have received a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for the following: I would like to request information relating to the…
Details
We have received a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for the following:
I would like to request information relating to the outcome and evaluation of the Human Provenance Pilot (HPP) Project and the decision made by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) regarding the future use of HP testing.
We released the following information on 12 December 2011:
The start date of the HPP Project was 5th February 2009 with the first test taking place on 22nd September 2009. The end date of the pilot study was 31st March 2010.
The number of tests carried out under the Familial testing element of the pilot was 198 carried out over 76 family groups. Under the Country of Origin element of the pilot, there were 38 persons tested.
Following the conclusion of the pilot, a decision was taken within UKBA not to take forward DNA / Isotope testing for country of origin identification purposes in the foreseeable future. On the basis of this decision, it was agreed that resources would not be devoted carrying out an evaluation of the pilot at this point in time.
If a decision to resume Familial DNA or Country of Origin testing is taken in the future, further consideration will be given to the scientific, legal and ethical basis on which it would operate. The Home Office would engage with relevant experts to address any concerns that may be raised regarding the use of this technique.