§ Mr. Burdenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action has been taken against the research scientist who continued to perform experiments on animals for several months after his licence had expired, despite the fact that he had received three reminders from the Home Office to the effect that his licence was due for renewal and a notice informing him of its expiry.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI referred the papers to the Director of Public Prosecutions who caused inquiries to be made by the police but did not advise prosecution. The experiments carried out by the scientist, who had held his licence since 1966, were within the scope of his licence and certificates which would have been continued in force if he had applied at the proper time as had happened on the previous expiry date in 1971. The administrative lapse was a serious one and the person concerned was left in no doubt on this point. Subsequently he has applied for a new licence and this has been granted.