HC Deb 07 July 1976 vol 914 cc587-8W
Miss Fookes

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make grants to the Medical Research Council conditional upon a revise. Mr. manual on the production of animals for experimental purposes which will include requirements for the welfare of the animals themselves.

Mr. Mulley

The Medical Research Council's present schemes for the accreditation or recognition of breeders and suppliers of laboratory animals already require participating organisations to satisfy the council about standards of husbandry. As I said in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Preston, North (Mr. Atkins) on 25th June 1976—[Vol. 913 c.688]—the coun- cil arranges for the regular inspection of these organisations. I am assured that the inspection covers the welfare of the animals, and, therefore, do not consider it is necessary to impose additional conditions.