PROBES into terrorist attacks could be scuppered if British forensic labs including Chepstow are closed, a minister has warned.

Plans to “restructure” the FSS would see the forensic lab in Chepstow shut, with the loss of 200 jobs.

A letter from the home affairs select committee chairman Keith Vaz MP to home secretary Alan Johnson expressed concerns examinations into terrorist attacks could be hit.

“We are concerned that the restructuring of the FSS will lead to the loss of expertise in this area of work,” Mr Vaz said.

“In the event of a future terrorist attack will mean that forensic examination will rely on scientists who lack the expertise and experience shown by the staff on FSS on July 7.”

Mr Vaz asked Mr Johnson whether he was convinced private firms, who may need to step in if the FSS lacked the capacity needed, would be able to cope.

The letter also stated Mr Johnson told the committee the FSS “cannot make money”.

Mr Vaz said Mr Johnson had provided no evidence why.

The group worried a new business model would lead the FSS to no longer take on specialised, laborious but unprofitable work.

“It would undoubtedly have a negative effect on the criminal justice system,” he wrote.

David Davies MP said Chepstow FSS staff played a lead role following the July 7 bombings.

He welcomed the letter, describing the Home Secretary’s reply to the committee’s earlier findings as “inadequate”.

The Monmouth MP added: “The committee has unanimously expressed their concerns over any proposed ‘transformation’ of the FSS and have made it clear in no uncertain terms we need further information”.

No one at the Home Office was able to comment.