§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 29 July 1998, 1051W Official Report, column 355, if he will list the scientific and industrial organisations consulted by his Department about the impact on the United Kingdom science base and the competitiveness of the United Kingdom's science-based industries of the increasing burden of regulation on applications for research and development projects involving animals. [55380]
§ Mr. BattleThe Department of Trade and Industry has not consulted any organisation specifically about the changes to the regulations in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and its impact on the UK science base and industry.
The Home Office, who lead on this regulation, has received a number of representations on this subject. Both Ministers and Civil Servants have been in discussion with individual companies and representative associations on this matter and will continue to do so.