The Committee's report examines the likely impact of the Government's plan to develop the Forensic Science Service (FSS) as a public-private partnership on the effective provision of forensic science services to the criminal justice system in England and Wales. Other issues discussed include: the quality of forensic science education and training and the supply of skilled personnel in forensic science; national databases; levels of investment in forensic science research and development; and the use of forensic science, including novel forensic technologies, in criminal investigations and court proceedings.