§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance his Department gives as to the maximum acceptable journey time for the transportation of non-human primates involved in or destined for animal experimentation. [8217]
§ Mr. George HowarthNo such guidance is given but, in considering whether to give approval for the acquisition of non-human primates from overseas sources for use under the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, the Home Office takes into account journey times, the mode of transport and the route by which the animals are imported.
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§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of his Department's inspectors have been employed as at 1 June in each year since 1987 to monitor animal experiments currently carried out in United Kingdom research laboratories. [8164]
§ Mr. HowarthFigures for 1 June each year are not readily available, but the number of inspectors as at 31 December is published annually in "Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, Great Britain". The figures are as follows:
- 1987: 19
- 1988: 19
- 1989: 18
- 1990: 19
- 1991: 19
- 1992: 21
- 1993: 20
- 1994: 19
- 1995: 18
- 1996: 17.
There are currently 17 inspectors in post and one vacancy which is expected to be filled in September.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken in respect of the contents of the Channel 4 programme of 26 March, "It's a Dog's Life," as they relate to Huntingdon Life Sciences. [8469]
§ Mr. HowarthThe Home Office took prompt and firm action. The personal licences of two individuals seen hitting and shaking dogs in the programme were immediately suspended and then formally revoked at the earliest opportunity allowed by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The local police were also asked by the Home Office to investigate possible offences under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and I understand that individuals have now been charged.
The Chief Inspector, who heads the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate, has carried out a detailed and thorough investigation into all the allegations made in the Channel 4 programme and the wider issue of the management and control of animal work within the establishment concerned. We expect to receive a comprehensive report before the end of July.
The Animal Procedures Committee has endorsed the action taken by the Home Office and the nature and form of the investigation. The Committee has been kept fully informed of the progress and findings of this investigation and has been given the opportunity to advise about further action to be taken.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the impact of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 on the number of tests which are conducted on alternatives to animals. [7924]
§ Mr. HowarthTests which do not use animals are not regulated by the Home Office and information on the number of such tests is not, therefore, available.
31WThe Home Office makes funds available through the Animal Procedures Committee to sponsor research into alternatives. A summary of the grants made and the outcome of the sponsored research is presented in the Committee's annual report.