Edinburgh Forensics Laboratory

That the Parliament notes the publication of the Scottish Police Services Authority’s (SPSA) Forensic Service Modernisation Option Paper; further notes that it includes an option that proposes the closure of the Edinburgh Forensic Laboratory; considers that the Edinburgh Forensic Laboratory is essential to solving both low and high-level crime; acknowledges the concerns of the forensic staff, who, it considers, provide an excellent service; is concerned that the proposed closure would result in a hugely reduced service for Lothians and Borders Police; believes that this will hinder significantly its ability to fight crime; further believes that the SPSA seems to be more interested in saving money than protecting forensic services; contends that no decision should be reached when the Parliament is in recess, and is of the view that, when a decision is reached, it should be presented to the Parliament for thorough scrutiny.