§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is in respect of research carried out on animals at Porton Down; and what research is carried out there on behalf of other countries, with particular reference to defensive agent testing. [124192]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Ministry of Defence undertakes limited scientific work involving the use of animals for defence research purposes. This work is carried out on behalf of the Department by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) mainly at the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector at Porton Down, but also to a lesser extent at the Centre for Human Sciences at Alverstoke. The research programme involving animals is18W concerned wholly with providing the UK's Armed Forces with safe and effective protection against hazards they may encounter while carrying out their duties. The Ministry of Defence does not use animals in the development or evaluation of weapons and we continue to seek alternatives to the use of animals in experimentation wherever possible.
Research using animals within DERA is conducted strictly in accordance with the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 under which the Home Office licences and oversees all such activity. In addition, an independent Animal Welfare Advisory Committee was appointed in 1996 in response to public and Parliamentary concern over the use of animals in research. Its purpose is to keep animal care and welfare arrangements under review within DERA. A report by this Committee is published annually and a copy placed in the Library of the House.
The only research involving animals currently being undertaken by the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector at Porton Down on behalf of other countries is a study of the efficacy of prospective vaccines against a potential biological warfare agent. The work is for the US Department of Defense and its successful outcome will also be of direct benefit to the UK and our Armed Forces.