§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the secretary of State for the Home Department what provision is made to alleviate the suffering of animals in xenotransplantation experiments. [165852]
§ Caroline FlintXenotransplantation is the grafting, or transplantation, of cells, tissues or organs between species. It encompasses a wide range of techniques from the injection of cells to solid organ transplantation. As with all research licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, suffering in xenotransplantation experiments is minimised by removing causes of pain and distress and implementing measures to detect and alleviate any suffering that is caused. In the case of surgical procedures this would include the use of appropriate analgesic and anaesthetic regimens and other forms of post-operative care.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to commission an evaluation of the efficacy of animal experimentation. [167249]
§ Caroline FlintThe Government have no plans to do so.
§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment the Government have made of the level of harassment of suppliers and customers of businesses regulated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. [167399]
§ Caroline FlintFrom correspondence and meetings with victims of intimidation, we are well aware of the seriousness of animal rights extremism for the bioscience sector and for companies doing business with the sector. The Government have made it clear that intimidation and harassment of those going about their lawful business is totally unacceptable.
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