Advisory Committee on Animal Experiments

HC Deb 21 May 1984 vol 60 cc321-2W

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to reappoint his advisory committee on animal experiments; and if he will ensure the appointment of representative persons who are independent and who have no connection with performing experiments on living animals.

Mr. Mellor

There has been an advisory committee since 1913. The present one was reconstituted in 1980. My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to appoint another until the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 is replaced by new legislation and a statutory committee established, the proposed composition of which is outlined in paragraph 16 of the White Paper "Scientific Procedures on Living Animals" (Cmnd. 8883) which was published last year. It is envisaged that this committee will include independent persons with no connection with performing experiments on living animals.