HC Deb 27 January 1998 vol 305 cc187-8W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many animals bred at Porton Down were sold for scientific use at other establishments for each year from 1990 to date, giving the species of animals and the establishments concerned. [24829]

Mr. Spellar

[holding answer 26 January 1998]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Norman Baker, dated 27 January 1998: As Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) I have been asked to reply to your question about the number of animals bred at Porton Down and sold for scientific use at other establishments in each year since 1990. The number of animals bred at DERA's Chemical and Biological Defence Sector (CBD) at Porton Down which were sold for scientific use at other establishments since 1990 are listed by species in the table below.

Financial year Porton mice Porton rats Common marmosets Rhesus
1990–91 620 230 156 17
1991–92 403 0 52 33
1992–93 450 0 18 28
1993–94 235 0 198 56
1994–95 200 0 0 60
1995–96 40 2 148 15
1996–97 0 0 95 21
1997–98 0 0 0 42
Animals are only supplied to UK establishments designated for scientific procedures under section 6 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 or to non-UK users who can provide evidence that they meet welfare standards that match or exceed those of the UK, and for approved purposes. Under exemptions 4e and 4f of the Open Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, I am not prepared to reveal the names of scientific establishments to which DERA has sold animals. I hope this is helpful.