HL Deb 26 March 1975 vol 358 cc1283-4WA
Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the Advisory Committee appointed by the Secretary of State on the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Vivisection 1906–1912, last met, and how many meetings it has held during the past five years.

Lord HARRIS of GREENWICH

On 24th September 1974. Two.

Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many persons with veterinary qualifications now serve on the Advisory Committee on experiments on living animals; how many with medical qualifications; and whether any person representing animal welfare organisations is included in its membership.

Lord HARRIS of GREENWICH

One member of the Committee has veterinary qualifications, and eight have medical qualifications (there is at present one vacancy). No member represents an animal welfare organisation but my right honourable friend intends to add four independent lay persons.

Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Advisory Committee on experiments on living animals makes any reports to the Secretary of State and, if so, whether a copy of the most recent report is available, or can be placed in the Library.

Lord HARRIS of GREENWICH

The Advisory Committee advises the Home Secretary on proposals for individual experiments as explained in paragraph 132 of the Littlewood Report. It makes no report of a general character.