§ 5. Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now introduce a licence and registration system for dealers in live animals for experiments.
§ Dr. SummerskillThere is already a voluntary accreditation and recognition scheme run by the Medical Research Council which covers both the breeding and supply for sale of animals for experimental purposes. However, the need for a statutory scheme and its practicability are under consideration.
§ Mr. CorbettI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Will she assure the House that this matter will be pursued with vigour, given the attention devoted to it in the Daily Mirror? Is she aware that these grubby little animal snatchers are going around picking up otherwise unwanted pets and flogging them by the back door to otherwise reputable research establishments such as the St. George's medical school?
§ Dr. SummerskillI can assure my hon. Friend that I have every sympathy for owners who wish to dispose of their pets but are worried about where they will eventually go. While we are looking at this matter, I advise them to seek the advice of the RSPCA or a veterinary surgeon.
§ Mr. HooleyIs it not time that we had proper legislation on the subject of animal experiments, as the existing legislation is now more than 100 years out of date?
§ Dr. SummerskillAlthough this matter is not relevant to the original Question, the subject of experiments on animals is being examined, as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said at Question Time recently.