HC Deb 02 May 2000 vol 349 cc77-8W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many tests were carried out using(a) animals and (b) mammals in each of the last five years; and what is the expected number for the next two years. [120292]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

Table 1 of the annual Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain records the number of scientific procedures by species of animal and primary purpose of the procedure. Figures are given for the number of procedures using birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, cephalopods and octopus vulgaris as well as the number using mammals, listed by species. Overall figures for procedures using animals and mammals are as follows:

Year Number
1998 2,659,662
1997 2,635,969
1996 2,716,587
1995 2,709,631

Figures for procedures using mammals are:

Year Number
1998 2,381,712
1997 2,380,287
1996 2,450,138
1995 2,420,944

Figures for 1999 are in the process of being collated and are due to be published in July.

It is very difficult to project the number of animals to be used for the next two years. Numbers depend on the type of project licence applications that will be made to progress on current project licences. However, in general terms, there was a slight increase in the number of animals used during 1998 and it is possible that there could be another such increase in the 1999 figures. The main reason for this might be the increase in the use of genetically modified animals owing to current scientific advances. The downward trend in the use of conventional animals is expected to continue.

We will continue to ensure that animals are used only where fully justified—where there are no valid alternatives and where the benefits outweigh the costs to the animals involved.

Mr. Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent research he has commissioned on carrying out experiments on animals for the purposes of research into cosmetics; and if he will make a statement. [120215]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The Home Office itself does not commission scientific procedures involving the use of protected animals. In applying the regulatory regime set out by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, it assesses applications submitted.

In November 1997, we announced that no more animals would be used in this country for the testing of cosmetic products and ingredients, and we have not issued any new licences for such testing. We have no proposals to do so.