§ Mr. Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to phase out the LD 50 test.
§ Mr. MellorThere are certain purposes for which this test is likely to remain essential for the foreseeable future. The available information suggests, however, that substantial progress is being made in this country to reduce the number of animals required in such tests or to replace them where practicable by limit tests. We very much welcome that progress.
The Department is currently preparing a code of practice which will reinforce these efforts and give additional guidance about ways in which animals used in acute toxicity tests may be spared pain and distress. My right hon. and learned Friend believes that these steps represent the best way forward.