§ Mr. DOUGLAS HALLasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will direct that in the forthcoming Annual Return under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 39 and 40 Vic., c. 77, the reasons shall be set out why, in experiments performed on dogs without the use of anæsthetics, it was necessary to employ those animals to prevent the object of the experiment being frustrated; and whether any steps are taken, and, if so, what steps, to test the soundness of the reasons given in these cases for making the experiments on dogs?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Churchill)In dealing with certificates for experiments on dogs (whether with or without the use of anæsthetics) the reasons given for making the experiments on dogs are always carefully scrutinised by my expert advisers; and, if there be any doubt, special inquiry is made, before the certificate is allowed, as to the possibility of performing the experiments on other animals. I do not think anything would be gained by giving these reasons in the annual Report.
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HALLasked what was the total number of licences and certificates to experiment on living animals applied for during the year 1909, and the total number of licences and certificates granted for that purpose in that year?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLFour hundred and eighty-three licences were in force during 1909. Of these licences, ninety-four were new licences granted in 1909; the remainder were renewals. No applications for licences, were refused in 1909. As no applications can come before the Secretary of State unless they are first recommended by the highest scientific authorities, a refusal is naturally of rare occurrence. As regards certificates, the Secretary of State does not grant certificates; he has only a power of disallowance. I cannot at present state the number of certificates in force during the year, but information will be given in the Annual Return, which will probably be published in June. The number of certificates totally disallowed was eight, and in many other cases the Secretary of State disallowed certain procedures 34 that were proposed, or in other ways limited the scope of the certificate.