§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to investigate Wickham Research Laboratories in respect of the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe Home Office inspectorate is investigating the allegations made by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection against Wickham Research Laboratories in respect of the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department takes to ensure that non-animal alternative tests are available before he grants any licence for test on live animals for particular purposes.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe Home Office inspectorate, in considering applications for project licences under the 733W Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, requires applicants to show that they have considered whether the purpose of the research programme could be achieved by methods not involving living animals.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list each prosecution under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 since 1990, the organisation involved and the level of fine.
§ Mr. Charles WardleSince 1990 there has been one prosecution under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. In 1991 Chilham Rabbits Ltd. was prosecuted for supplying rabbits for use in scientific procedures, although not designated under section 7 of the Act as a breeding and supplying establishment. The company was fined £75 with £42 costs.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for an independent review of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 is kept under review by the independent statutory Animal Procedures Committee.