HC Deb 06 March 1989 vol 148 cc385-6W
Mr. Corbett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for grant have been received by the animal procedures committee under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 for funds for research into non-animal testing techniques in 1988–89 and 1989–90; how many grants were given; to whom; and for what purposes.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Of 124 applications received for Home Office research grants it was decided to fund four, following recommendations from the Animal Procedures CommitteeDr. P. A. Botham and Dr. G. J. A. Oliver, ICI Central Toxicology Laboratory. Validation of an enucleated eye model". Dr. A. F. Bristow and Dr. S. Poole, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control. Assay of Pyrogens measuring lymphokine production in vitro". Dr. A. Robinson, Public Health Laboratory Service. Alternative potency tests for cellular pertussis". Dr. R. M. Stagg, now at Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Scotland. Fish cell culture for toxicity assessment".

In addition, the Home Office has commissioned an investigation into antibody production and is supporting international work on acute toxicity testing aimed a t further reducing the need for formal LD50 tests.

No applications have been sought or received for funding in 1989–90 whilst consideration is being given to the possibility of commissioning work in particular areas of concern.

Mr. Corbett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the grant made to the animal procedures committee under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to commission research into non-animal testing techniques in 1988–89; and whether he will announce the grant for 1989–90.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Home Office grants for research to reduce the number and severity of experiments on living animals in 1988–89 totalled £70,000. We have sought provision for 1989–90 of £120,000.