HC Deb 04 May 1993 vol 224 cc71-2W
Sir Richard Body

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in setting a target date after which the use of wild-caught primates in British research laboratories will be prohibited.

Mr. Charles Wardle

We have already made substantial progress towards phasing out the use of wild-caught primates in British laboratories, and are discussing a Community-wide approach to this issue with our EC partners. The matter will be raised again later in the year at the meeting of EC national competent authorities established under directive 86/609/EEC.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider implementing a formal training programme for unlicensed junior laboratory technicians dealing with laboratory animals.

Mr. Charles Wardle

The Home Office code of practice makes it clear that all those responsible for laboratory animals must be properly trained and competent, and that it is the responsibility of the named day-to-day care person to ensure that adequate training is provided for all personnel.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has considered the complaints made against Wickham Research Laboratories about breaches of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and what action he intends to take on them.

Mr. Charles Wardle

I have carefully considered a detailed report by the Home Office inspectorate carried out following allegations made about the conduct of animal procedures at Wickham research laboratories, but it would be inappropriate for me to disclose details at this stage until the results of the investigation have been communicated to Wickham research laboratories and it has had the opportunity to comment.