§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are taken to ensure that the standards of keeping and using animals for experimental purposes by pharmaceutical and other firms comply with the statutory requirements; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which has replaced the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876, provides a new and more rigorous system of controls over the use of living animals for experimental and other scientific research. The controls are enforced by a professional Home Office inspectorate, the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate. The inspectorate makes frequent visits to establishments,248W normally without notice, and keeps a close watch on the use of animals and on standards of care and accommodation. The Act provides for the issue of codes of practice as to the case of protected animals and their use for regulated procedures. A code is being prepared and will be ready later this year.