HL Deb 15 December 1976 vol 378 cc1008-9WA
The Earl of HALSBURY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (i) how many cases have been reported to the police of arson, robbery, breaking and entering and malicious damage directed against premises or property of breeders of, dealers in or experimenters on animals for the purpose of scientific, medical or veterinary research since 1st November 1973;
  2. (ii) what was the estimated cost of the damage inflicted;
  3. (iii)what organisations have claimed responsibility for these breaches of the law;
  4. (iv) how many of these reports led to the prosecution of individuals;
  1. (v)how many individuals were convicted in consequence of such prosecutions; and
  2. (vi) what sentences were imposed and what remissions of sentence other than for good behaviour were granted, and for what reasons.

Lord HARRIS of GREENWICH

The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproprotionate cost. We have passed to the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis the information which the noble Lord has given us about reported offences in the past, and the Commissioner has assured us that, in conjunction with the other forces involved, his officers are making all necessary inquiries.