§ Mr. Bidwellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received concerning experiments on live animals whereby such animals are subjected to pain and suffering such as electric shocks and drug treatment designed to induce pain and fits; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorMy right hon. and learned Friend has received a number of representations about experiments involving electric shocks and the administration of drugs. All such experiments are subject to particularly stringent controls. Scientists may only perform them under authority of a certificate and the condition that an animal may not be subjected to severe and enduring pain is immutable. We do not allow the administration of severe electric shocks; they are restricted to the lowest levels required to produce minimum stimuli.