§ 44. Mr. J. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation making it compulsory for all laboratories and similar establishments purchasing live animals for experimental purposes to maintain adequate records concerning all their purchasing transactions.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerNo, Sir. On the evidence available to me I am not satisfied that such legislation is necessary.
§ Mr. HarveyIs my right hon. Friend aware that many people believe that they are insufficiently protected today against the theft of private pets, and that some improvement in this state of affairs would be welcomed?
§ Mr. ButlerI have been through the papers and I find some recent cases involving three persons and one dealer, but otherwise I can find no evidence that the stealing of animals for sale for experimental purposes is widespread. I would also remind the House that the National Health Service hospitals do not purchase animals. If my hon. Friend wishes to direct Questions to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, I hope that he will do so.