HC Deb 16 March 1993 vol 221 cc172-3W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will bring forward proposals to impose a statutory requirement upon all those undertaking work under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to receive compulsory training.

Mr. Charles Wardle

From 1 April 1994 applicants for personal licences will be required to have completed successfully an accredited training programme. In addition to this, from 1 April 1995, first-time project licence applicants will require further pre-licensing training, to be acquired from accredited training programmes.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to secure the formation of animal care and use committees at all establishments designated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

Mr. Charles Wardle

The regulatory system established under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 places responsibility on the holder of a certificate of designation issued under section 6 to ensure proper standards of animal care and use at his or her establishment. In discharging that responsibility, it is open to the certificate holder to establish an animal care and use committee according to local circumstances and need. There are no plans to require such committees at all designated establishments.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to extend the conditions of the code of practice on housing and care of laboratory animals to cover breeding and supply establishments.

Mr. Charles Wardle

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to an earlier question from the hon. Member on 3 November 1992, column128.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the number of his departmental inspectors to undertake work in relation to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

Mr. Charles Wardle

None.