HC Deb 21 November 1917 vol 99 c1171
35. Sir G. GREENWOOD

asked the Home Secretary whether the cost of the experiments on goats with poisonous gases and liquids which have been and are now being carried out at the stock farm, Porton, is defrayed out of public funds under the National Insurance Act or from what source is such cost provided; and if he can now say whether or not anæsthetics are used for these animals in such experiments?

Sir G. CAVE

I understand that these experiments are carried out on behalf of the Ministry of Munitions. In some cases anæsthetics are used, but in most of the experiments this is impossible without defeating the object of the experiments, and the experiments are made under Certificate A.

Sir G. GREENWOOD

Are they paid out of public funds?

Sir G. CAVE

I have no doubt they are, as they are acting under the Ministry of Munitions.

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these goats have been killed in this way?

Sir G. CAVE

No, I cannot give the exact number.