§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent investigations he has commissioned into operating conditions at Harlan UK Ltd. and if he will make a statement. [146612]
545W
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienI refer the hon. Member to my answers of 8 March 2000,Official Report, column 661W and 30 March 2000, Official Report, column 213W. An investigation by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate was commissioned following allegations about Harlan which were made available to the Home Office by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) on 29 June 1999.
I received the Chief Inspector's report on 17 December after a thorough investigation into a complex series of allegations. Generally, the establishment was found to be well-run and the level of compliance good. One breach of a condition of certification was confirmed—two animal rooms were not identified in the documentation as having been checked as required on two dates during the last two years. The Certificate holder received an admonition, and reassurances from the management about staffing levels were sought and received.
Copies of the final version of the Home Office instigative report, from which only those sections containing commercially sensitive information and details of individuals and third parties are withheld, were laid in the Library on 20 March 2000.
Like all licensed establishments, Harlan remains subject to regular scrutiny by the Inspectorate. I am informed that appropriate action has been taken to correct the weaknesses and deficiencies identified in the Chief Inspector's report.