§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many meetings the Home Office Inspectorate has held in the last six months at which discussions were held about scientific issues related to the use of animals in experiments; what plans the Home Office Inspectorate has to hold such discussions in the next six months; and what plans it has to invite organisations which argue scientifically against animal-based research for discussions. [158784]
§ Caroline FlintThe Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate does not normally host or take a lead role in public meetings or meetings with external organisations on behalf of the Department, and there are no plans for it to do so.
However, members of the Inspectorate are frequently involved in and contribute to Home Office and third-party meetings and events at which there is discussion of the use of animals in scientific procedures. These include twice yearly Inspectorate conferences to which guest speakers contribute, and meetings of expert groups considering specific topics, seminars and workshops on 339W a range of issues (including meetings run by, or with contributions from, organisations that argue scientifically against animal-based research). The Inspectorate also participates in other local, national and international events (for example the Fourth World Congress on Alternatives).
This will continue as an integral part of the Inspectorate's role, and will go on entailing dialogue with people and organisations covering a wide spectrum of opinion on use of animals in science. The Chief Inspector will for example be addressing MPs at a parliamentary event scheduled for 23 March 2004.
The organisations to be invited to particular meetings or events in which the Inspectorate participates is determined by the specific nature of the occasion and the objectives of the organisers.