HC Deb 04 May 1978 vol 949 cc223-4W
Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made since his announcement of 8th Decemeber 1977 of discussions on research into alternative systems instead of the use of animals in toxicity testing and hazard evaluation.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

My right hon. Friend said that he was satisfied with the co-ordination that existed among the relevant Departments and that efforts would be directed to moving towards alternatives as quickly as possible. To this end I have agreed to make available my Department's channels of communication with licensees under the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 for a Government exhortation to consider alternative methods in appropriate cases. The Departments concerned are considering what else may be done.

30. Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many living animals were used to test cosmetics and toiletries during 1976 and 1977.

Dr. Summerskill

Figures for 1976 are not available. This information is being collected for 1977 and will be published later in the year.