§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many procedures have been carried out on animals at Porton Down since 1997; and what breeds of animals were involved. [115585]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Porton Down submits annual returns to the Home Office detailing the number of procedures undertaken which involve the use of animals as defined in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
In the years 1997 to 2002 the annual returns to the Home Office, broken down by species, are detailed in the table.
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Guinea pig 1,109 1,039 636 636 727 644 Ferret 0 30 0 0 0 0 Hamster 396 222 144 24 0 0 Mouse 8,569 7,477 10,144 10,856 11,944 14,874 Pig 85 96 84 106 23 88 Rabbit 31 48 10 19 23 24 Rat 717 1,999 410 350 125 268 Goat 2 22 0 0 0 0 Sheep 17 30 13 9 45 0 Primate 30 128 60 34 68 42 Total 10,956 11,091 11,501 11,985 12,955 15,940 More detailed information on the specific breeds used is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.