§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent by his Department, or by agencies responsible to him, on animal experimentation during 1976 and 1977; what action is being taken on research to 109W secure alternatives to living animals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. GilbertRecords are not kept in such a way as to enable this information to be given. The number of animals in Ministry of Defence establishments during 1976 and 1977 was as follows:
Species 1976 1977 Mice 229,372 225,590 Guinea pigs 6,690 10,869 Cats 10 23 Chickens 800 0 Goats 20 30 Hamsters 3,954 0 Pigs 114 183 Monkeys 313 435 Rabbits 1,775 1,866 Rats 15,943 3,665 Sheep 169 85 Dogs 1 17 Pigeons 48 18 Total 259,209 242,781 The Ministry of Defence has an active programme of research into the use of substitutes for animals in all aspects of its programmes, and substitutes are used whenever possible. The number of animals used in Ministry of Defence establishments for experimental purposes will be very substantially reduced when MRE Porton ceases to be a defence establishment.