HC Deb 28 April 1980 vol 983 c365W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations he is going to hold, and what criteria he is going to adopt, in drawing up legislation for the use of animals in laboratories for furthering the health and safety of human beings; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Raison

We are committed to modernising and improving the relevant legislation when we know the outcome of current work in the Council of Europe on the preparation of a European convention. We shall seek to pay due regard to the legitimate requirements of science, industry and agriculture, including the health and safety of human beings, as well as to the protection of animals against avoidable suffering.