§ 26. Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department which interested bodies he has consulted so far about the introduction of safeguards to protect animals bred in Great Britain and exported abroad for research purposes, and with what result.
§ Miss BaconMy right hon. Friend has not yet consulted any outside bodies, but he will in the near future be inviting the views of animal welfare organisations.
§ Mr. FisherWould the hon. Lady bear in mind the really appalling cruelties inflicted on animals which we export to some foreign countries, and will she try very hard to make suitable arrangements with those countries before allowing further exports of animals for research purposes?
§ Miss BaconI am not quite sure whether the hon. Gentleman is referring to cruelty in transit or to what happens 671 to these animals when they get to the countries where they are going to be used. We have this matter very much in mind and we are having consultations. As I said, we are having an early meeting with the animal welfare organisations.