THE fight to save 200 forensic science jobs in Lancashire has intensified with MP Lindsay Hoyle likening members of his own Government to “bully boys in suits”.

The Forensic Science Service (FSS) is set to axe 200 jobs at its Washington House site in Euxton, as part of a nationwide reorganisation which could see 40 per cent of its workforce cut.

Mr Hoyle’s comments came as the Home Affairs select committee said it would launch an investigation into the restructuring of the FSS, which employs top scientists to analyse criminal cases.

The MP spoke during a debate at Westminster Hall and addressed his comments to Home Office minister Alan Campbell.

He said: “It's on the minister's shoulders, it's no use him saying 'not me gov', we don't want bully boys in suits, we want honesty.”

Mr Hoyle said FSS staff had told him that criminal cases were being compromised because of lack of finance.

He said: “That will happen even more if the FSS is not there. At what point does it become acceptable to say to a person seriously traumat-ised physically and mentally that it is not worth the cost to bring their attacker to justice?”

Mr Campbell responded by saying that the Govern-ment's record in tackling crime was second to none. He said: “The suggestion we would put that at risk in any way, shape or form by not addressing the FSS's needs is ludicrous.

“This is not about saving money. The FSS's losses must be addressed, because they involve taxpayers' money, but I assure my hon-ourable friend and others, that is far outweighed by the government's investment in the FSS.”

He added that the proposals were still under consultation and no final decisions had been made.