§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many wild-caught primates, broken down by species, are currently held in the United Kingdom for the purpose of animal research; and if he will indicate in each case the purpose of the procedures for which they are being used. [37879]
§ Mr. George HowarthRules banning the use of wild-caught primates (unless exceptional and specific justification can be established) were introduced in 1996. Before then, records relating to the acquisition of wild-caught primates for use under the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 were not kept centrally.
We do know, however, that three wild-caught Rhesus macaques, imported before 1996, are still undergoing regulated procedures in neuroscience studies.
The only wild-caught primates imported since 1996 and currently held in the United Kingdom for use under the terms of the 1986 Act are two baboons. These are for use in heart xenotransplantation research. One of these two baboons has already been used in a regulated procedure. The other has not yet been used.