§ 39. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in the enlargement of the Inspectorate and the reconstitution of the Advisory Committee in the four years since the Little-wood Committee on Animal Experiments made its report; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesTwo additional inspectors were appointed in 1967 and arrangements are in hand for further appointments this year. The question of a new Advisory Committee is being considered in relation to the structure of 145W the legislation required to replace the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876.
§ 40. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent legislation to implement the recommendations of the Littlewood Committee on Animal Experiments has been deferred in order to obtain information from an enlarged Inspectorate and a reconstituted Advisory Committee; when such advice is expected to be available; and how soon afterwards legislation will be introduced.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesLegislation to replace the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876, will be introduced when opportunity permits. At this stage I cannot say when that will be, but it does not depend on enlarging the Inspectorate or reconstitu-ing the Advisory Committee.