Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the838W benefits to medical science of vivisection; what plans he has to review the practice; and if he will make a statement. [95722]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe development of many new drugs and medical technologies has depended on, and continues to depend on, the use of animals. Their use is regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which is widely viewed as the most rigorous piece of legislation of its type in the world.
In 1998, the Animal Procedures Committee completed a review of the operation of the Act. Its results were published in November 1998 as part of the Committee's annual report for 1997. The Committee concluded that further examination of the cost/benefit assessment should be undertaken and that the validity of science using animals could be part of their review. The Committee is planning to consult publicly and I await their further advice.