§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many incidents have been reported in each of the last five years of(a) assaults and (b) harassment against scientists and institutions involved in animal research. [7738]
§ Mr. DenhamThe crime statistics do not distinguish between the occupations of victims, but there is no doubt that animal rights extremists have been increasingly ready to resort to criminal methods in recent years, and as a Government we are determined to take all possible steps to protect those engaged in legitimate scientific research.