HC Deb 01 July 1909 vol 7 cc597-8
Mr. SMEATON

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a statement made by the inspector of experiments on living animals in the Return for 1908 to the effect that one licensee performed (so-called) feeding experiments on seven puppies, one kitten, and two rodents without obtaining the necessary certificate, and that another licensee exceeded the terms of his certificate by bleeding certain animals to an excessive amount; how many experiments of the kind referred to were made; of what nature wore they; and what are the names of the persons who performed them?

Mr. GLADSTONE

In the first of the cases referred to in the question the number of experiments was ten, and their nature was the feeding of animals with food containing cultures of micro-organisms. The licensee had a certificate which allowed inoculations, but he failed to observe that its terms did not cover the alternative method of feeding. The nature of the experiments in the second case is fully stated in the Return; the licensee held a certificate authorising the abstraction of small quantities of blood; this was done by pricking a vein in the ear, and he bled some of the animals to a considerable amount. The number of cases was about a dozen, but there is difficulty in drawing the line between the small quantities mentioned in the certificate and the larger quantities which were in some cases abstracted.

Earl WINTERTON

Is there any reason to suppose that there was any unnecessary cruelty involved with these experiments?

Mr. GLADSTONE

I have no reason to think so.

Mr. SMEATON

The right hon. Gentleman has not given the names.

Mr. GEORGE GREENWOOD

Is there any real reason why the names of these gentlemen who inadvertently or otherwise transgressed the law should be concealed from the public?

Mr. GLADSTONE

I do not think there is any particular reason, or any particular reason for giving them.

Mr. G. GREENWOOD

Do the particular experiments in respect of which the Home Secretary directed the licences to be abolished appear in table form or in any other part of the returns?

Mr. GLADSTONE

I understand they are mentioned in the returns.

Mr. GREENWOOD

In table form?

Mr. GLADSTONE

I will inquire.

Mr. BYLES

This is also a first offence?

Mr. GLADSTONE

So far as I know.