HC Deb 19 June 1968 vol 766 cc144-5W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy in the matter of giving permission for the photographing and filming of experiments in defence research establishments involving pain to animals.

Mr. John Morris

My policy is to observe the requirements of the Cruelty to Animals Act (1876) and regulations made under it by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give approximate details of the species of the 85,000 animals killed last year at the Porton Research Establishment for experimental purposes.

Mr. John Morris

I said on 12th June in reply to the hon. Member for Wolver-hampton, North-East (Mrs. Renée Short) that 66,144 animals were used in 1967 in research at the two Porton Establishments. About 63,000 of these animals were rates, mice and guinea pigs. Details are given below. In addition, a number of other animals were used for the production of serum and were not destroyed. —[Vol. 766, c. 42.]

The details are as follows:

Rabbits 816
Guinea Pigs 4,721
Rats 16,121
Mice 42,098
Hamsters 1,025
Voles 60
Frogs 477
Sheep 221
Pigs 82
Monkeys 63
Chicks 300
Dogs 9
Cats 151
66,144