§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the further report referred to in his letter to hon. Members dated 30 July, on the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and if he will make a statement on the Government's intention to appoint a Royal Commission on animal experiments. [59028]
§ Mr. George HowarthI understand that the Animal Procedures Committee is currently working to finalise a further report on its review of the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
With regard to the Royal Commission, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Jones) on 3 November 1998, Official Report, columns 473–74.