HC Deb 06 March 1979 vol 963 cc634-5W
Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the members of the Home Secretary's Advisory Committee on the Administration of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 are experts in animal welfare; what are their qualifications and experience; and how often on average over the last three years the committee has met.

Dr. Summerskill

The committee, which includes six doctors and a vet, was composed to provide a balance of knowledge and wisdom in considering experiments which present new questions of principle. We are currently reviewing its functions and membership.

In 1976 the committee met on four occasions. In 1977 the committee met twice and a sub-committee twice. The full committee did not meet in 1978 but a sub-committee, to which another vet was attached as an observer, met eight times.

Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the 19,377 persons licensed to perform experiments on living animals under the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 hold (a) certificate A and (b) certificate B.

Dr. Summerskill

Departmental records are not kept in a way which would enable this information to be obtained without disproportionate cost.

Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will list the animal welfare legislation which controls the activities of safari parks breeding monkeys for research purposes.

Dr. Summerskill

There are no statutory controls over the breeding of monkeys for research purposes but the treatment of such an animal in a safari park would be subject to the provisions of the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 to 1964.

Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the 19,377 persons licensed to perform experiments on living animals under the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 are specifically trained and qualified to give anaesthetics to living animals.

Dr. Summerskill

Departmental records are not kept in a form which enables us to prvide statistical information about the qualifications of licensees without disproportionate cost. No licensee would be authorised to administer anaesthetics to an animal under experiment unless the Home Office was satisfied of his competence to do so.