HC Deb 12 April 1989 vol 150 cc549-50W
Sir John Farr

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what efforts are being made to discourage international and foreign regulatory bodies from requiring precise LD50 values.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The Home Secretary is not responsible for the conditions under which LD50 tests are required: but I understand that the Departments concerned are making representations at EC, OECD and UN levels. In particular, the Department of Health is co-ordinating an international study on an alternative British approach to acute toxicity testing, which does not involve the generation of precise LD50 figures.

Sir John Farr

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how effectively the project licensing system is being used to reduce and restrict performance of the classical LD50 test in Britain.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Applications to use animals for this purpose in this country are authorised only in strict accordance with the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Before granting a licence, my right hon. Friend is required to consult an inspector appointed under the Act.