§ Mr. Arthur Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the 242,781 experiments which were performed on living animals in Ministry of Defence establishments during 1977 were performed under anaesthetic throughout.
§ Dr. GilbertThis information is contained in the annual returns submitted to the Home Office by Defence holders of licences under the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876. The 1977 returns will be published later in the year. Such incomplete information as we have suggests that under 5 per cent. of animals will be found to be anaesthetised. This is largely because of the extensive use of mice for vaccine production testing where the use of anaesthetics is not relevant.
§ Mr. Arthur Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Defence from where the 435 496W monkeys that were used in Ministry of Defence establishments during 1977 were obtained; and how much these animals cost.
§ Dr. GilbertThe 435 monkeys used in Ministry of Defence establishments during 1977 were purchased from United Kingdom commercial sources. The total cost was approximately £31,500.