HC Deb 03 March 1969 vol 779 cc25-6
20. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will institute an inquiry into the traffic in live stolen domestic cats and dogs between receivers of these stolen animals and National Health Service establishments; and if he will introduce legislation to regulate the purchase of live cats and dogs by such establishments for research purposes.

Mr. Ennals

On the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the Under-Secretary of State's reply to him on 11th February. The answer to the second part is "No, Sir."—[Vol. 777, c. 278–9.]

Mr. Iremonger

As the Minister has made it clear in answer to a series of questions over the past month that he does not have any information on this, will he not make a serious attempt to look into what is undoubtedly a growing abuse?

Mr. Ennals

I have no evidence that there is a growing abuse. If the hon. Gentleman has some evidence of this, I should be grateful if he would supply it to me. I certainly have no evidence that the National Health Service establishments concerned with research purchase animals from other than responsible sources, and the amount of experimentation done on live cats and dogs is very small.

Mr. Brooks

Does not this Question highlight a large and growing number of related problems dealing with experimentation upon live animals? Will not the Government review the urgency of implementing the Littlewood Report?

Mr. Ennals

That is a much wider question.

Mr. Worsley

If the Minister of State really believes that there is no evidence, he should turn to the Littlewood Report. There is evidence there and recommendations for dealing with this very important matter.

Mr. Ennals

On the case raised by the hon. Member for Ilford, North (Mr. Iremonger) there is no evidence of abuse. If there are hon. Members on either side who have evidence, I will willingly look at it.