Commentary on provisions of Act Section 11: Meaning of "forensic science activity"
Section 11 defines the meaning of "forensic science activity", in respect of which the Regulator can exercise functions.
	Subsection (1) defines "forensic science activity" to be "an activity relating to the application of scientific methods" for a purpose in subsection (2). Such activities can include the recording, analysis and reporting of the application of such processes, and the development, validation and auditing of such processes.
	Subsection (2)(a) and (b) provides that "forensic science activity" is the application of scientific methods for purposes relating to the detection and investigation of crime in England and Wales or to giving forensic evidence in criminal proceedings in England and Wales. The initial remit of the Regulator is therefore limited to forensic science for the purposes of the criminal justice system in England and Wales (the same remit as the non-statutory Regulator).
	Subsection (2)(c) gives the Secretary of State a delegated power to extend the Regulator’s remit by specifying in regulations other purposes for which a "forensic science activity" can be undertaken. The intention is that this power could be used to extend the Regulator’s remit to the application of forensic science in other fields such as the civil courts. Subsection (3) sets out the scope of, and Parliamentary procedure for, the regulation making power in subsection (2)(c). The power cannot be used to confer on the Regulator functions that fall within the competence of Senedd Cymru. Regulations specifying additional purposes are subject to approval by Parliament via the affirmative resolution procedure. Subsection (4) ensures that the Act does not affect the exercise by any person other than the Forensic Science Regulator of functions in relation to the regulation of forensic science activities.