HC Deb 21 February 1977 vol 926 c423W
Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the fact that 70 per cent. of more than 2,000 primates used annually by the vaccine industry are wasted, if he will take steps to reduce this destruction of animal life.

Mr. Summerskill

I understand that the wastage in question arises from the impossibility of determining in advance which animals are unsuitable for experiments or as donors of tissue because of viral and other infections. My right. hon. Friend's powers under the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 do not enable him to deal with such a matter.