HC Deb 22 July 1999 vol 335 cc623-4W
Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is proposing as a follow-up to the Forum on Animal Experiments held on 11 July(a) to reduce the number of animals used in experimentation and (b) to co-ordinate research on alternatives to animal experimentation. [91918]

Mr. George Howarth

For the reasons I outlined in my reply to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 11 May 1998,Official Report, column 51, the total number of scientific procedures involving animals is not a true measure of the effectiveness of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The total number of procedures is dependent on a number of factors, including the implications of scientific breakthroughs and the buoyancy of United Kingdom industry.

We will, however, continue to work to minimise the amount of suffering caused and the number of animals used by ensuring that alternatives (which replace animal use, reduce the number of animals needed for a particular purpose and refine protocols to lessen suffering—the 3Rs) are used wherever possible.

Following the Forum I hosted on 9 July, I am keen to see whether it might be possible to co-ordinate more effectively the various programmes of work aimed at developing, testing or validating alternatives. I have already written to a number of colleagues in other Departments to obtain information on their funding of such work and have asked officials to write over the summer to other bodies that sponsor, commission or undertake such work, including charities, animal welfare bodies and industry. I will also be asking the Animal Procedures Committee for advice on this matter.

Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further meetings he is planning with animal welfare organisations, research organisations and others with an interest in animal experimentation as a follow-up to the Forum on Animal Experiments held on 11 July. [91917]

Mr. George Howarth

In the last 12 months, I have met with a number of such organisations and I have visited a number of establishments designated under the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. I expect to continue to do so. I do, as far as possible, maintain an "open door" policy and generally find meetings with all those with an interest in the use of animals in scientific procedures to be very useful and constructive.

1 am currently giving consideration to the possibility of holding further events, similar to the Forum, but have no firm plans at this stage.