§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the existing regulations relating to the screening of drugs and consumer products derived from laboratory experimentation with animals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe purpose of animal tests required by, or in pursuance of, European Community Directives on pharmaceutical products, the Medicines Act, and other United Kingdom legislation, is to protect human health. I am advised that they provide toxicological and other data without which responsible scientific judgment on potential hazard to man could not be exercised. Such data are also required by the drug regulatory authorities of countries to which the British pharmaceutical industry is a substantial net exporter. A full statement of my interests in the use of animals for safety testing is contained in the Department's evidence to the Lords Select Committee on the Laboratory Animals Protection Bill.