§ Lord Houghton of Sowerbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What changes are being made by the Medical Research Council for the future of the Laboratory Animals Centre and the council's accreditation scheme.
§ Baroness YoungI understand that during the past year the Medical Research Council has considered the future of the Laboratory Animals Centre and has decided that it should continue, with a strengthened554WA scientific programme. Steps are being taken to identify and recruit a new director of high scientific standing.
The council's voluntary accreditation and recognition schemes for suppliers of laboratory animals were also reviewed, and the council has concluded that the administration of these schemes might well become the responsibility of another organisation. Initial discussions between the council and an interested organisation are in progress.