§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider the appointment of a statutory advisory committee to adjudicate on questionable research using live animals, to promote the concept of alternatives and to stimulate inquiries into the whole field of animal experimentation.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesNo. Since 1913 my predecessors and I have been advised by the non-statutory Advisory Committee on the Administration of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 on proposals presenting difficult issues in connection with the exercise of the powers under that Act. I do not think that legislation to establish a statutory advisory committee would be justified or that such a committee is required for the other purposes mentioned.