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As part of its inquiry into human genetic databases, the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology has published the written evidence it has received up to 31 October 2000. The inquiry called for evidence from those "involved in maintaining, developing or using human genetic databases or .. actively planning to do so". Evidence was received, among others, from several pharmaceutical companies conducting research into pharmacogenetics and the genetic basis of common disease (for example Astra Zeneca, GlaxoWellcome, Pfizer and SmithKline Beecham); from bodies holding DNA samples for forensic purposes (The Association of Chief Police Officers Crime Committee, the Forensic Science Service and the Home Office); from research-funding bodies (for example the Cancer Research Campaign, Medical Research Council and Wellcome Trust); from the Department of Health; and from research groups and institutes actively involved in the collection and analysis of human genetic material (for example the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, the Acute Coronary Event DNA Library Project, and The Sanger Centre). Those submitting evidence outlined the sorts of projects they are undertaking, the reasons for undertaking them, the types of samples collected and how they are stored, measures taken to obtain informed consent and ensure privacy, and their view of their responsibilities regarding issues such as public accountability and intellectual property rights. Considerable information was also submitted about relevant projects in other countries, and how they are being regulated. The next stage of the inquiry is the taking of oral evidence, at a series of public hearings between November 2000 and February 2001. The Committee will produce a report, with recommendations for the Government and the Human Genetics commission, in March 2001.