§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in establishing an EU register of primates held in breeding and research establishments.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe idea of a primate register has not so far been taken up by our EU partners. I understand, however, that a European primate resources network, EUPREN, is in the process of being established by primate breeding and research centres in a number of member states, with the object of improving both the quality of primate research and the welfare of the animals concerned. I gather that the network will be an appropriate forum for the exhange of information on the availability of suitable animals.
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when the next survey of primates held in British laboratories is scheduled to take place;
(2) what percentage of primates held in United Kingdom laboratories are captive bred.
§ Mr. Charles WardleA survey in 1992 showed that approximately 80 per cent. of old world primates held in the United Kingdom laboratories were captive bred. In 1993 almost all old world primates imported for use in scientific procedures were captive bred. Most new world primates held here have been bred in United Kingdom.
No decision has yet been taken on the need for another survey.
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which species of primate are covered by the term "larger primate", as referred to in the 1992 annual report of the Animal Procedures Committee.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe term referred to old world primates, in particular macaques and baboons.