HC Deb 02 December 1992 vol 215 cc215-6W
Sir John Wheeler

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the outcome of investigations into allegations by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection in respect of the treatment of primates at Shamrock (GB) Ltd. and Hazleton UK.

Mr. Charles Wardle

The Home Office animals (scientific procedures) inspectorate has investigated the allegations contained in written and video material sent to the Home Office by the BUAV, in respect of the treatment of animals at Shamrock Farms and Hazleton UK. The results of that investigation have been reported to the Animal Procedures Committee and to me, and I have had the benefit of the APC's comments on those conclusions.

The investigation found evidence of poor standards of care and handling at Shamrock Farms, and a lack of effective managerial control. Insufficient attention was paid to the maintenance of a regime in which animals are treated at all times with due dignity and respect, and in which the physical and emotional needs of the animals are given proper emphasis. My conclusion is that poor technique and over-forceful handling may have resulted in avoidable stress and possible suffering.

I have concluded that these findings represent a significant failure on the part of the named day-to-day care person at Shamrock, and I have directed that Shamrock's certificate of designation be amended to appoint a new person to that role.

Other measures are being taken in the light of the report:

  1. (i) I have concluded that new and existing staff at Shamrock should be trained in the wider ethical and legal issues associated with animal use: the nature and content of that training will be agreed between the management and the Home Office inspectorate.
  2. (ii) Some aspects of the accommodation at both Shamrock and Hazleton fall short of desirable standards, and programmes of improvement and replacement of facilities have been developed or accelerated.
  3. (iii) Another member of staff at Shamrock will be excluded from duties involving any further animal contact until he has satisfactorily completed the retraining already mentioned.

I am satisfied that other allegations are misconceived, may be based on a misinterpretation of legitimate procedures or are incapable of being proved one way or the other. All staff in the two establishments have been made aware, however, of the importance of the proper treatment of animals in their care, and the seriousness with which alleged breaches will be regarded.

The response which is being made to problems uncovered as a result of these allegations is firm, fair and designed to deal effectively with public concerns. I recognise that the use of primates in research causes particular anxiety, and I am pleased that the APC is considering the general questions raised. I look forward to hearing their conclusions.