§ Mr. Robin F. Cookasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he has made with his inquiries into the use of dogs in experiments to develop new smoking materials.
§ Dr. Summerskill:We are aware of the strong feelings that have been aroused by the use of dogs in experiments to develop new smoking materials. My right. Hon. Friend has decided to refer this matter to the Advisory Committee on the Administration of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 and ask it to report as as soon as possible. He is taking this opportunity to add to the membership of the committee, which at present consists of 10 persons qualified in human or veterinary medicine, under the chairmanship of Lord Cross of Chelsea, four independent lay persons, as recommended by the Littlewood Committee. The advisory committee is being asked to consider the question in consultation with the Independent Scientific Committee on Smoking aad Health set up in 1973 by the then Secretary of State for Social Services under the chairmanship of Dr. Hunter.