§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether the deliberations of the Animal Procedures Committee on applications for licences under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act442W 1986 which are referred to them include consideration of the scientific value and validity of the procedures involved; [134357]
(2) if he will impose a duty on the Animal Procedures Committee to consider the interests of patients and patient groups; [134356]
(3) how many members of the Animal Procedures Committee (a) have had and (b) hold full registration as a medical practitioner. [134355]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWhen considering any application for a project licence under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 the Secretary of State is required to weigh the likely adverse effects on the animals concerned against the benefit likely to accrue as a result of the programme to be specified in the licence. Any application referred to the Animal Procedures Committee for its consideration will contain such an assessment.
One of the 20 members of the Animal Procedures Committee is medically qualified, and is in current practice.
The Act requires the Animal Procedures Committee to have regard both to the protection of animals against avoidable suffering and unnecessary use in scientific procedures and to the legitimate requirements of science and industry. The latter requirement would include a consideration of the interests of patients and patient groups. The Committee's deliberations may also encompass the scientific merit and scientific validity of the proposals, as well as the welfare costs to the animals used.
§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what organisation is responsible for advising him on the legitimate concerns of patients and patient groups with regard to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. [134354]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienSection 5(4) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 requires that any application to use protected animals in research must be subjected to a detailed cost/benefit assessment by Home Office inspectors. The likely adverse effects on the animals concerned must be weighed against the benefits likely to accrue as a result of the proposed programme of work. Clinical benefit, including more cost-effective health care, are factors which may be taken into account in this assessment. A number of sources of advice are available to me on the benefits of research. These include the Animal Procedures Committee and the relevant professional bodies. I also receive representations on issues relating to the use of animals in scientific procedures from a wide range of interest groups, including medical charities.