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: What steps he proposes to encourage provision for alternative methods to experimentation on live animals for basic research in toxicity testing and drug development.

Answer: Mr. Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to encourage provision for alternative methods to experimentation on live animals for basic research in toxicity testing and drug development; and if he will make a statement. [14989] Mr. Sackville: Research on alternative methods is funded through the research budget of the animal procedures committee. The Government support the operations of the European centre for the validation of alternative methods in co-ordinating research into alternative methods across all areas of scientific activity which use animals in regulated procedures. This includes methods to reduce the number of animals, to refine the severity of procedures, and to replace animal use. Officials meet regulatory agencies and other Government Departments to establish principles for the use of animals in safety testing. In addition, all applicants for project licences under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 are required to consider the use of alternatives where these are available.

Secondary information