Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 October 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 October 2007. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Thursday, 25 October 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

Protest: Animal Experiments

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the impact on levels of investment in research and development of the activity of animal rights extremists in England and Wales in the past 10 years; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Although exact figures are not available, the statistics that are collected for pharmaceutical research and development in the UK started to decline from 2002 when the ARE activity was at its height.The Government takes seriously the illegal activities of animal rights extremists aimed at discouraging investment in the UK. We have in place a robust interdepartmental strategy to eradicate the threat. The strategy is centred on an improved law enforcement approach, with additional resources provided to the police to tackle animal rights extremism, a central team set-up to drive forward police action nationally, and legislation enacted to protect animal research organisations. The strategy has led to a significant fall in illegal extremist activity.

Secondary information