HC Deb 02 December 1969 vol 792 cc265-6W
Sir R. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for authorisation of experiments on living animals presenting new questions of principle have been made to the advisory committee set up on the recommendation of the Royal Commission of 1906–1912 in each of the last five years; and how many of them were granted.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The particulars are as follows:

Year Applications referred to the Advisory Committee Subsequently allowed
1964 1 1
1965 5 4
1966 3 1
1967 2 2
1968 1 1
Totals 12 9

Restrictions were imposed on the number of experiments permitted in six of the applications which were allowed.

Sir R. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what improvements in the treatment of diseases of horses have resulted from experiments on live horses in the last five years.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

My right hon. Friend has no responsibility for evaluating the benefits resulting from experiments performed under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876.