§ Mr. Burdenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will consult interested bodies in this country about the possibility of introducing safeguards for animals exported for research purposes.
§ Miss BaconThis matter is in the first instance being examined by the various Departments concerned. I cannot at present say when it will be practicable to begin consultations with outside bodies.
§ Mr. Burdenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what 163W reasons establishments breeding animals for research purposes have given for not keeping records of transactions involving the export of laboratory animals in 1965; and if he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to ensure that such records shall now be kept;
(2) to which overseas countries animals bred in Great Britain for research purposes were exported in 1965.
§ Miss BaconUnder existing legislation there is no central control over the breeding of animals for research, and no information is centrally available about the establishments from which or the countries to which such animals have been exported. My right hon. Friend will bear in mind the matter of records when considering the question of safeguards for animals exported for research purposes.