HC Deb 24 March 1999 vol 328 cc307-8W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what experiments have been carried out at the Royal Navy Physiological Laboratory in the last 12 months; what animals were involved; and what was the purpose of the experiments. [65734]

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 24 March 1999:

I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question about the former Royal Navy Physiological Laboratory (RNPL) which is now part of the Centre for Human Sciences (CHS) Sector of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). The Centre for Human Sciences is currently running a research programme for the Ministry of Defence to determine the pressure and time limits for the safe escape of Navy personnel from a sunken submarine. The programme is also looking at the best treatments to maximise the recovery of those injured whilst escaping.

Goats are being used as the experimental model for this programme because their physiological behaviour in these circumstances approximates very closely to that of humans. In addition, we already have a substantial database of behavioural information from experiments with goats, thus minimising the number of new experiments needed.

All proposed research work involving the use of animals is subjected to rigorous internal review. The animals are not immersed in water but are subjected to varying levels of atmospheric pressure whilst in a pressure chamber. They are continuously monitored during the experiment. The work is carried out strictly in accordance with the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 which is administered by the Home Office. During 1998, 124 procedures were carried out using goats (1 animal = 1 procedure; but note that individual animals may take part in several procedures).

In addition to the statutory controls already in place, the Ministry of Defence has established an independent committee to review arrangements for animal care at DERA sites carrying out work with animals and to advise on best practice. Its independent reports are made to the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Ministry of Defence.

I hope the foregoing is helpful.

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