HC Deb 29 April 1999 vol 330 c246W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many animals have been used in experiments at each of his Department's sites in each of the last five years. [82526]

Mr. Doug Henderson

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Sir John Chisholm to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 29 April 1999:

I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question about the numbers of animals used in experiments at Ministry of Defence sites in each of the last 5 years.The following figures relate to DERA sites and are in respect of the numbers of procedures undertaken (I animal = 1 procedure; but note that individual animals may take part in several procedures). The figures reflect the information provided annually to the Home Office.

Year No. of Procedures
1994 7,654
1995 8,914
1996 11,221
1997 11,083
1998 11,215

I hope the above is helpful.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which of his Department's sites are licensed to carry out experiments on animals; and when the licences were issued. [82520]

Mr. Doug Henderson

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Sir John Chisholm to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 29 April 1999: I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question about licensing arrangements for animal experiments. My reply refers to the arrangements at DERA sites as we undertake the majority of work involving animals on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. Under the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 two DERA sites are licensed to conduct research that involves the use of animals. These are the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector at Porton Down and the Alverstoke site of the Centre for Human Sciences. Both sites have held licences, known as certificates, since the Act came into force in 1986. The Porton Down certificate had been modified several times since 1986 as facilities have changed and/or been updated. I hope this is helpful.