§ Linda PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to modify the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 following developments in genetic modification; [2559]
- (2) what guidance has been issued on the assessment of applications to produce animals by nuclear transfer cloning under the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; [2561]
- (3) what plans the Government have to consult on the banning of genetic modification of non-human primates. [2560]
§ Angxela EagleWe have no current plans to modify the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 following developments in genetic modification. The Act provides that all use of the animals covered by its licensing controls must be justified, and that consequent animal suffering should be minimised. The terms of the Act are sufficiently broad and flexible to take account of scientific developments, without compromising the protection it affords to the animals concerned.
No specific guidance has been issued on the assessment of applications under the 1986 Act to produce animals by nuclear transfer cloning, though general guidance to applicants applies as much to this area of scientific research as to any other. All such applications are however considered at a central point within the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate. This ensures consistency of approach and identifies any cases that may need to be drawn to the attention of Ministers, who may seek further advice as required from the Animal Procedures Committee (APC), external assessors and others.
We have no plans at present for consultation on the subject of genetic modification of non-human primates. No applications to conduct such work have so far been made under the 1986 Act—either to produce such animals in the United Kingdom or to use such animals imported from elsewhere. Any applications would be considered in the light of advice from the Inspectorate and the APC.