HC Deb 25 May 1999 vol 332 cc79-80W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to ensure that(a) the importation of monkeys to Shamrock Farm, Henfield and (b) the treatment of monkeys at Shamrock Farm, Henfield is conducted in accordance with approved procedures and legislation. [85362]

Mr. George Howarth

The transportation and importation of animals is primarily a matter for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. In 1996, the Home Office introduced new measures relating to the acquisition of non-human primates from overseas sources for use in procedures under the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. These are summarised in Appendix A to the 'Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, Great Britain, 1997'. In support of these new measures, the Home Office set administrative requirements including that

additional records be kept of the breeding and conditions of housing and husbandry at the centre from which the animals were obtained; andafter each delivery of primates from an overseas source, the Home Office be sent:confirmation that the animals were shipped according to the agreed plan and arrived safely;lifetime records for each animal;a report of the veterinary inspection that must be carried out on arrival; andwithin six weeks, details of any morbidity and mortality arising during the first four weeks following arrival in the United Kingdom.

These are in addition to the records on the source, use (where appropriate) and disposal of animals that all designated establishments are required to keep and make available to the Home Office on request.

All designated establishments must meet the terms and conditions of the certificate of designation and, unless otherwise authorised, are expected to comply with the requirements of the relevant code of practice for the housing and care of animals.

Responsibility for abiding by the laws rests primarily with the individuals concerned and all establishments are now required to have local ethical review processes which, amongst other things, will provide advice about the care and welfare of animals.

All designated establishments are, however, regularly visited by Home Office inspectors, often without notice, to monitor compliance with all the relevant controls including those relating to the acquisition and care of animals.