§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what licences have been issued since 1997 for carrying out research involving the observation of captured wild rats in a model sewer system. [158099]
§ Caroline FlintThe information requested is not maintained in that form in a central database. A check of work currently licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 has not identified any projects involving observational studies of this type. However, licence authorities under the 1986 Act would not be required for such work if it was unlikely to cause pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm.