§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Attorney-General whether he will prosecute Professor Wilhelm Feldberg for a contravention of section 1 of the Protection of Animals Act 1911.
§ The Attorney-GeneralA decision about the commencement of a prosecution could be properly taken only on the basis of evidence assembled through a criminal investigation. The investigation of an alleged criminal offence is a matter for the police service. The proper course for any person having evidence suggesting the commission of an offence is to make the evidence available to the police.
It is to be noted that by virtue of section 1(3) of the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and section 27(2) and schedule 3 to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 the provision to which hon. Member refers does not apply to anything lawfully done in accordance with the 1986 Act.