§ Mr. DjanoglyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to visit Huntingdon Life Sciences in Huntingdon. [170856]
§ Mr. BlunkettI have no plans at present to visit Huntingdon Life Sciences. However, since becoming Home Secretary, I and other Home Office Ministers have held many discussions aimed at ensuring businesses and individuals involved in important scientific research and testing where animal experimentation is necessary can safely carry on their work without impediment from those who try to intimidate or obstruct them. Most recently, my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Caroline Flint) met with you on 29 March 2004 to discuss the adverse effect the activities of animal rights extremist is having on members of staff at Huntingdon Life Sciences and the surrounding community.