The government wants private providers to fill the gap left by the FSS
The government has defended its decision to close the Forensic Science Service (FSS), which analyses crime scene evidence in England and Wales.
In its response to a damning inquiry report into the closure, it says allowing the service to enter administration would have seriously damaged the criminal justice system.
The government also denies suggestions it did not fully consider alternatives to closure.
The FSS was losing some £2m a month.