HC Deb 05 December 1972 vol 847 cc392-3W
Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many experiments on animals were carried out in 1971 for cosmetic purposes; what animals were involved; how many died during the experiments; and what degree of suffering was involved in the remainder.

Mr. Lane

Statistics of experiments performed for this purpose, and of the kinds of animals used, are not available. I have no reason to believe that any animals died during such experiments. All experiments, for whatever purposes, are subject to restrictions to ensure that no animal suffers severe pain that is likely to endure or avoidable pain of any kind.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many licences are issued for the purpose of cosmetic experimentation.

Mr. Lane

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to amend the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 to provide that experimenters use alternatives to living animals where alternatives are available.

Mr. Lane

My right hon. Friend is not persuaded that it is practicable to achieve the desired effect by legislation.