§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will publish the reports prepared by Home Office inspectors concerning the keeping of animals for experiments under the provisions of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and the Protection of Animals Act 1911. [HL1278]
§ Lord Williams of MostynUnder the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, inspectors have a duty,inter alia, to:
advise the Secretary of State on applications for licences and certificates; on requests for their variation or revocation; and on the periodical review of licences; and
report to the Secretary of State on any breaches of the Act or of any condition of licences or certificates.
This advice and these reports are based on and contain information given in confidence and cannot be disclosed under the terms of Section 24 of the 1986 Act.
The Protection of Animals Act 1911 applies more generally and can be invoked in cases of abuse or failures of care to laboratory animals. Home Office inspectors have no specific locus under the 1911 Act; if they were involved in reporting under its provisions, their reports to the police would have the status of evidence in any subsequent proceedings and any reports to the Home Secretary would be covered by Section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.