§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware of the dangers involved in the importing of animals required for laboratory experiments bearing in mind the warnings issued by the Medical Research Council; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. MoyleI am aware that imported animals for laboratory use may sometimes carry infection transmissible to humans. My Department has drawn the attention of those concerned with research to the specific health hazards involved in handling simian (monkey or ape) carcases and certain rodents known to be carriers of Lassa fever virus. The guidance on the handling of simians in an appendix to the Report to the Medical Research Council by its Labaratory Animals Centre will similarly be brought to the attention of those concerned.