§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what licences for animal breeding are currently held by Hillgrove Farm, Witney, Oxfordshire; when the provision of these licences was last reviewed; and what assessment he has made of the justification for their issue. [22863]
§ Mr. George HowarthHillgrove Farm is designated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 as a breeder and supplier of animals for use in scientific procedures. The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 does not require that Certificates of Designation be renewed or formally reviewed. However, inspectors visit all establishments and will, where necessary, recommend the amendment of Certificates.
Hillgrove Farm was inspected three times in 1997. The purpose of these inspections was to assess compliance with the conditions set out on the Certificate of Designation.
I am satisfied that the establishment is operating within the terms and conditions of the 1986 Act and of its Certificate of Designation. There are no grounds, therefore, to revoke the Certificate.