HC Deb 26 January 1998 vol 305 cc47-8W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the(a) longest and (b) average recorded journey time endured by non-human primates imported into the United Kingdom for research purposes during (1) 1996 and (2) 1997 from (i) China, (ii) Mauritius, (iii) Indonesia and (iv) Philippines. [24748]

Mr. George Howarth

Precise journey times are not available for 1996. When new measures were introduced early in 1996. The Home Office required only that an estimate of total journey time be provided prior to each acquisition and that, after each acquisition, confirmation be provided that the importation was in accordance with what had been authorised.

The information requested is as follows:

China: 1996: Longest—54 hours; Average—not available.

Mauritius: 1996 Longest—31 hours; Average—not available. 1997: Longest—38 hours; Average—31 hours.

Indonesia: 1996: Longest—58 hours; Average—not available. 1997: No importations.

Philippines: 1996: Longest—38 hours; Average—not available. 1997: Longest—38 hours; Average—not available.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will incorporate into section 5(4) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 measures to deal with the adverse effects which may be encountered by non-human primates during transport prior to arrival in the United Kingdom. [24745]

Mr. George Howarth

Section 5(4) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 requires that in determining whether and on what terms to grant a project licence, the likely adverse effects on the animals involved be weighed against the benefits likely to accrue. This is the cost-benefit assessment. It does not provide for measures to deal with adverse effects.

There are no plans to amend section 5(4) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Adverse effects likely to arise from the journey can be considered when carrying out the cost-benefit assessment. In advising the Secretary of State on the acceptability of overseas sources of non-human primates, the Home Office Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate takes into account any adverse effects which may arise during transport.