§ Mr. ColmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his current policy is with regard to the licensing under the Animals (Scientific 855W Procedures) Act 1986 of the production of monoclonal antibodies by the ascites method; and if he will make a statement. [156757]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe announced in November 1997 our decision to phase out the licensing under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 of monoclonal antibody production using ascitic mice unless exceptional scientific justification exists. Under this policy, new licences are not issued unless clear evidence is presented that in vitro attempts at production have failed or that the use of animals is justified for specific diagnostic or therapeutic products. An outright ban is not possible without primary legislation, and it is recognised that monoclonal antibodies have particular value in the diagnosis of infectious diseases and in the treatment of some types of cancer.
Only three new authorities have been issued for this work since this policy came fully into effect on 1 January 1999. I shall personally consider any future proposal to grant a licence using this procedure.