§ Dame Janet FookesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what review he has undertaken of the provisions affecting the number of non–human primates used as laboratory animals which are kept in single cages in isolation from their fellows; and whether there are any proposals to phase out such housing;
(2) how many project licences have been granted under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 which would necessitate the keeping of primates in isolation;
(3) what information is collected on the number of designated places under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 involving the use of larger primates in the United Kingdom which provide any kind of environmental enrichment; and what proportion of the total this number represents.
§ Mrs. Rumbold[holding answer 6 June 1991]: Statistics on the housing of non-human primates are not routinely collected centrally, although the Home Office inspectorate carried out a special survey of large non-human holding facilities in 1988. A further review of establishments using larger primates is planned for next year and one of its aims will be to examine progress made in improving facilities since the 1988 review.
The special needs of non-human primates are recognised in the Home Office "Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals used in Scientific Procedures", HC107, published in 1989, which was based closely upon guidelines drawn up by the Royal Society and the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. Paragraphs 3.43 to 3.59 of the code set out the general considerations which should be taken into account for housing non-human primates. Chapter 5 of the code gives details of the recommended cage dimensions for non-human primates.
As the code makes clear, non-human primates should be housed so that they have the opportunity for social interaction. Single housing, which may allow animals such interaction through seeing and hearing one another but without physical contact, is not the preferred option but may be necessary in some cases for animal welfare or scientific reasons. We are aware of no current project licences which require the housing of non-human primates in isolation away from the sight and sound of other animals of the same species.
Since the code was published there has been a marked improvement in the standard of facilities for non-human primates in designated establishments. There has also been an encouraging increase in awareness within establishments of the desirability of providing environmental enrichment. Home Office inspectors continue to pay 695W particular attention to the way in which non-human primates are housed and cared for. They will continue to monitor the progress being made by establishments in upgrading their non-human primate facilities to the standards set out in the code and encourage the provision of environmental enrichment.