HC Deb 15 November 1948 vol 458 c8
12. Mrs. Leah Manning

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that 250 monkeys recently arrived in this country from Calcutta by air consigned to his Department; and for what purpose he intends to use these animals.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

The animals referred to are required for research purposes, the nature of which it would not be in the public interest to disclose.

Mrs. Manning

In view of the extreme reticence of the Minister of Supply, like that of his right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty, may I ask whether he is aware that this reticence only leads to the view among the general public that these animals are needed for some nefarious purpose? If it is, in fact, proved that they are needed for the same reasons as the animals were needed at the Bikini trials, the conscience of this country will be as revolted as it was at that time.

Sir W. Smithers

In view of the shortage of Labour candidates, is it a fact that safe seats have been found for all these monkeys?

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Are these animals being brought here for experiments in bacteriological warfare?