Animal Research (Hansard, 23 October 2002)

§ Dr. Moonie

The independent Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC), chaired by Dr. Robert C Hubrecht, has recently published its sixth Report. The Animal Welfare Advisory Committee was set up in 1996 in response to parliamentary and public concern about the use of animals in defence research. Its purpose is to consult, inspect and make all necessary enquiries into all aspects of animal care and their use in establishments of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). It has also been agreed between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and QinetiQ that the work at Alverstoke should remain within the Committee's remit.

All work with animals undergoes an ethical review process and has to demonstrate that as much as possible has been done to replace the procedures with alternatives not using live animals; to reduce the numbers of animals used in particular studies; and to refine the procedures to minimise pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm prior to the issues of licences to undertake work.

352W

Formal licensing arrangements, with the Home Office (in strict accordance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures Act 1986) seek to ensure that any experiments are fully justified and as humane as possible.

The Committee's report gives assurances that animals used in defence research programmes in the United Kingdom are regulated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, and that no special exemptions apply to MOD. The Committee's findings, acting as the eyes and ears of the public on matters relating to animal experimentation carried out by the MOD, are published in order to inform Parliament and the public of MOD practices.

The research programme involving animals is concerned wholly with providing the United Kingdom's Armed Forces with safe and effective protection against hazards they may encounter while carrying out their duties. However, the MOD continues to place emphasis on seeking alternatives to animal use. The MOD welcomes the scrutiny by AWAC in this area and will continue to support AWAC's review into the care and welfare arrangements for animals used in defence research.