§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to change the conduct of experiments using live animals in his Department's establishments in the light of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Bill [Lords] now before Parliament.
§ Mr. LeeExperiments involving live animals are carried out only where the purpose of the work is of real importance and where the most careful consideration of alternatives has demonstrated that none is an adequate substitute. Experiments are conducted in as humane a way as possible and precautions are, and will continue to be, taken to prevent or reduce to the minimum consistent with the authorised procedures any pain, distress or discomfort to the animals. If on any occasion an animal is found to be undergoing excessive suffering it is at once painlessly killed. These considerations will continue to apply. It is the intention of this Department to comply fully with the proposed legislation, as it does with the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876.