Published: 23/5/2002, Volume II2, No. 5806 Page 6

The Human Genetics Commission has concluded that police and law enforcement agencies should not have access to medical databases containing genetic information. And it says all databases of genetic information - including the national police DNA database - should be overseen by independent bodies.

In an exclusive interview with HSJ to coincide with the publication of Inside Information, its long-awaited report on the social impact of developments in genetics, commission chair Baroness Helena Kennedy said the NHS must be seen to be championing the confidentiality of patients' genetic information.

The report calls for safeguards to prevent the misuse of genetic data and predicts an increase in demand for the NHS to provide tests for inherited disorders and a resultant increase in costs.

Baroness Kennedy said she fears commercial exploitation of genetic information could create a 'genetic underclass', unable to obtain insurance or employment.With that in mind, she wants to see the introduction of a law banning genetic discrimination - principally in employment and insurance.

She says the report's emphasis on consent and the privacy of personal genetic information could also increase public trust that the NHS will deal with this sensitively - and could stop people turning to private firms for genetic testing, with all the attendant difficulties.

lOpposition peers will this week try to force a vote in the House of Lords to block new measures which opponents say will give ministers and civil servants access to confidential patient information without the patient's consent.

The measures, set out in the Draft Health Service (Control of Patient Information) Regulations 2002, would allow health researchers, health professionals or 'persons employed or engaged by a government department' to monitor reactions to vaccines and medicines. The Department of Health said the plans were designed to obtain information in the event of an epidemic and to further medical research, such as cancer registries. The DoH said there are no plans for civil servants to be able to access named patient records. If the Lords vote is passed, the measures will become law on 1 June.