Written question asked by Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 February 1997. It was answered by Tom Sackville (Conservative) on Monday, 17 February 1997 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: If he will make representations to (a) pharmaceutical and (b) other commercial companies undertaking tests on live animals to move towards alternative methods of testing.

Answer: Mr. Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make representations to (a) pharmaceutical and (b) other commercial companies undertaking tests on live animals to move towards alternative methods of testing. [14988] Mr. Sackville: All applicants for project licences, commercial or otherwise, are required by the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to consider the use of non-animal tests, where they are available and where they are consistent with the achievement of the scientific objectives of the project. The Home Office is also working with regulatory agencies and with organisations representing commercial interests to encourage the use of alternative methods of testing.

Secondary information