§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will list types of animals which were imported into the United Kingdom over each of the last five years for the purpose of research experimentation; what regulations govern their importation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MeacherAnimals imported for research experimentation are not separately distinguished in the trade statistics. So far as my Department is concerned, any live animal may be freely imported into the United Kingdom under the provisions of the open general import licence; that is, without the need for an individual import licence. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and the Department of the Environment have powers to licence imports of animals in order to prevent disease and for conservation purposes respectively.