HC Deb 05 February 2002 vol 379 cc872-4W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in(a)establishing an EU register of non-human primates in breeding, supply and research establishments and (b)enforcing minimum standards of housing and care across member states; and if he will make a statement. [32629]

Angela Eagle

[holding answer 4 January 2002]: We understand that the European Commission has no plans at present to establish such a register.

The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate monitors the implementation of minimum standards, as set out in published codes of practice, for the housing and care of animals bred, supplied and used for scientific procedures in designated establishments in Great Britain. Standards in designated Northern Ireland establishments are similarly monitored under separate inspection arrangements.

We are unable to comment on enforcement of minimum standards of housing and care in European Union (EU) states other than the United Kingdom, (UK) as set out in Annexe A of Directive 86/609/EEC, as that is not the responsibility of the UK Government.

The Home Office is playing a leading role in discussions within the Council of Europe that are expected to determine future, improved European provisions for the accommodation of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what steps have been taken to ensure that non-designated overseas breeding and supply establishments of non-human primates supplying the UK are complying with the Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals in Designated Breeding and Supply Establishments; and if he will make a statement; [32630]

(2) how often non-designated overseas breeding and supply establishments of non-human primates supplying the UK are inspected in person by members of the Home Office Inspectorate; and if he will make a statement; [32631]

(3) how many wild-caught non-human primates, by (a) species and (b) purpose of procedure, are in UK facilities designated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and if he will make a statement. [32628]

Angela Eagle

[holding answer 24 January 2002]: The Home Office does not maintain a register of stock held at designated establishments, but there are no current project licences in force for the use of wild caught non-human primates under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

Non-designated overseas breeding and supply establishments do not comply fully with the provisions of the United Kingdom (UK) Code of Practice, which are considered by many to be the most stringent in the world. Overseas breeders who wish to supply animals for use in the United Kingdom are, however, expected to comply with the guidelines issued by the International Primate Society, and are visited by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate, both prior to acceptance to supply non-human primates for use in the United Kingdom, and periodically thereafter.

Two sets of visits to particular overseas breeding and supply establishments were undertaken in the period October to December 2001. In addition all establishments currently supplying the UK have been visited during the last three years.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what grounds the ban on the use of great apes in research and testing in the UK was made; and if he will make a statement. [32632]

Angela Eagle

[holding answer 4 January 2002]: In announcing, in November 1997, that the Government would not allow the future use of great apes (chimpanzees, gorillas, pygmy gorillas, and orang-utans) as laboratory animals, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary explained that this was a matter of morality. The cognitive and behavioural characteristics and qualities of these animals are such that it is unethical to treat them as expendable for research.

This policy was set out in the Supplementary Note to the Home Secretary's response to the Animal Procedures Committee interim report on the review of the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Copies of this document were deposited in the Library.