§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to alter the law relating to vivisection; and if he will make a statement. [18681]
§ Mr. George HowarthAn Order will be made shortly to add "pigs, if genetically modified" and "sheep, if genetically modified" to Schedule 2 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
Following the recommendation made by the Animal Procedures Committee in its interim report on the review of the operation of the 1986 Act, the same Order will add ferrets and gerbils to Schedule 2. This will take effect from 1 January 1999.
An Order will also be made under the European Communities Act 1972 to make minor amendments to introduce into the face of the 1986 Act some controls which are currently exercised through administrative measures (such as standard licence conditions).