HC Deb 07 February 1994 vol 237 c24W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy that no future licences will be awarded under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 which would allow ex-pets to be used in research.

Mr. Charles Wardle

All applications for the use of animals in scientific procedures are considered on their merits, and against the criteria and constraints set out in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The Act contains strict provisions to guard against the possibility of stray or stolen dogs and cats being used in experiments.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy that his Department will not grant licences for research on Dartmoor ponies; and what account he has taken of article 7(3) of directive 86/609 in considering this matter.

Mr. Charles Wardle

A blanket prohibition would not be appropriate. All applications for the use of animals in scientific procedures are considered on their merits, and against the criteria and constraints contained in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which is operated in accordance with the requirements of directive 86/609.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to ban the import of wild-caught primates for the use in scientific experiments; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Charles Wardle

Substantial progress has been made in reducing the use of wild-caught primates in British laboratories. The Animal Procedures Committee is considering the practical problems in the way of eliminating such use altogether, and I look forward to receiving its advice in due course.