§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will establish an inter-departmental committee to consider the workings of section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and if he will make a statement. [138185]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Government have a clear commitment to Freedom of Information. I am well aware of the need for increased openness and am equally aware of the concerns within the scientific community about security and commercial sensitivity.
I have recently held a seminar comprising representative of animals protection groups and the scientific community to discuss Freedom of Information issues and officials are currently in the process of holding a series of separate meetings with those organisations. In due course, I will be reconvening the group to discuss progress made.