§ Mr. Greg Knightasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether non-human primates are currently being bred at, or specifically for use at, the chemical research establishment at Porton Down, or have been so bred during the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeYes, non-human primates are bred at the Chemical Defence Establishment, Porton Down, for use in experiments at the establishment. On rare occasions primates have also been purchased from reputable suppliers. All experiments with living animals conducted at the Chemical Defence Establishment comply fully with the requirements of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876, including the requirement to obtain the special permission of the Home Secretary for the use of primates in such experiments.