§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what powers are available to him governing the movement of monkeys from holding centres to research establishments; what documentation must be provided to allow such movements; and if he will make a statement; [115731]
(2) what steps he is taking to establish what will happen to monkeys held at the Shamrock Farm once that establishment is closed; and if he will make a statement. [115729]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienI am advised that most of the animals were pre-allocated to purchasers on arrival at Shamrock Farm. The remaining animals are in the process of being allocated now. The establishment will remain open and continue to be licensed and regularly inspected until this process has been completed and all of the animals have been removed. I understand that there will be no surplus animals.
The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 requires both dispatching and receiving establishments in the United Kingdom to keep detailed records of the source and disposal of animals moving from one location to another. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food regulates the transportation of live animals, including primates. The Welfare of Animals (Transport) 486W Order 1997, which is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, requires that the animals must be fit to travel, carried in a way that does not cause injury or unnecessary suffering, and be accompanied by someone competent to look after their welfare.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many investigations were carried out in 1999 under the Animal Scientific Procedures Act 1986; how many of these revealed that a criminal offence had been committed; and if he will make a statement. [115732]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate carried out one major investigation commissioned by the Secretary of State in 1999. This was the Harlan UK investigation. My reply to my hon. Friend the Member for South Thanet (Dr. Ladyman) on 8 March 2000,Official Report, columns 661–62W, reported the outcome of that investigation.
The Inspectorate also investigated a number of other alleged infringements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in 1999. Most of these were self-reported. A number of these cases have yet to be completed. A report on infringements, and their outcomes, will be included in the Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals 1999 to be published in July.