The argument over the retention of “innocent” DNA profiles has descended to a new low as the election approaches.

The inquiry into the National DNA Database by the Home Affairs Committee of the House of Commons, which was published on Monday, comes after much of the ‘inquiring’ - including by

Just how far will the Home Office go to justify the retention of DNA profiles from people arrested but not found guilty of any crime?

The Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, has opened up a little bit on the successful use of "innocent" DNA profiles to achieve subsequent convictions for serious crimes.

The DNA database is involved in solving only 0.67 per cent of crimes, the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee were told yesterday.

People are being arrested simply so that their DNA profiles can be recorded on the national database, according to the Chairman of the Human Genetics Commission, Professor Jonathan Montgomery.

The Home Office maintains that retaining the DNA profiles of innocent people on the DNA database increases the chances of solving future crimes. But what’s the evidence for this?

Did the Home Office ignore the advice of its own advisers over the retention of DNA profiles on the national database?

This week the Government climbed down over its proposals to hold the DNA profiles of innocent people on its database for between six and 12 years.

Damian Green MP has won his appeal to have his DNA profile removed from the national database. His was "an exceptional case", apparently.