§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received objecting to the use of animals in experiments at Porton Down; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeSome 120 right hon. and hon. Members have written to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State or to myself on behalf of constituents; nine of those Members expressed their own concern over experiments involving animals. Representations have been received from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Captive Animals Protection Society, the National Anti-Vivisection Society and the Mobilisation for Laboratory Animals Against the Government's Proposals. 350 letters have been received from members of the public, including those addressed to the Prime Minister and passed to my Department for reply.
This correspondence will be replied to shortly. While concern over the use of living animals is understandable, it remains an essential part of the work conducted at CDE Porton Down. Animals are used only when essential, when no alternative method is available and within the requirements of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876. Animals are not used to test the efficacy of weapons or ammunition.