§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to find an alternative to the Draize eye irritancy test; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. MellonI understand that a number of alternatives to the Draize eye test are currently being investigated, though there is not yet a proven non-sentiment alternative to this test. We shall shortly be issuing guidelines to researchers with the aim of ensuring that the test is used only where absolutely necessary and that any painful effects are reduced to a minimum.