Written question asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 28 October 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 November 1998. It was answered by George Howarth (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 November 1998 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what representations he has received on the use of beagles for tests on Viagra conducted in the United Kingdom.

Answer: Mr. Nigel Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the use of beagles for tests on Viagra conducted in the United Kingdom. [57880] Mr. George Howarth: I have received a number of letters on this subject. I understand that the drug was originally developed and tested some years ago, as part of a research programme into treatments for cardiovascular conditions. During clinical trials on patients, the properties for which Viagra is now known were discovered. Impotence is a serious medical condition, and one which can cause appreciable stress and other forms of suffering. Existing treatments are limited, and not without adverse effects. Further research, involving animals, has taken place to: define the specific clinical conditions that Viagra might be used to treat; and reduce the adverse, cardiovascular effects in clinical use.

Secondary information