HC Deb 20 March 1997 vol 292 cc850-1W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many licence applications for experiments on non-human primates have been turned down on the grounds that the adverse effects endured by primates prior to arrival in the United Kingdom are too severe to be outweighed by the benefit of the research. [21249]

Mr. Sackville

None.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what account is taken under section 5(4) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 of the length of journey time by the Home Office inspectorate in determining whether to grant a project licence for experiments on non-human primates. [21248]

Mr. Sackville

The transport arrangements, including travel times, are taken into account when assessing the suitability of overseas sources to supply non-human primates for research use.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's policy on maximum time allowable for journeys of non-human primates to United Kingdom laboratories; and if he will make a statement. [21250]

Mr. Sackville

The Home Office does not specify maximum journey times. The welfare of animals in transit is regulated by the exporting countries, the International Airline Transport Association, the European Union and by regulations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in this country.