Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 8 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 June 2000. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 June 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his Answer to the honourable Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey of 15th May 2000, 350 c53W, on animal experiments, whether the review of section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1966 in the context of freedom of information legislation has been completed; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey (Mr. Wyatt) of 15 May 2000, Official Report, column 53W, on animal experiments, whether the review of section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1966 in the context of freedom of information legislation has been completed; and if he will make a statement. [125902] Mr. Mike O'Brien: Section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 prevents the disclosure of information about the use of animals in scientific procedures that has been provided in confidence. Under the proposals for the Freedom of Information Bill, all statutory bars are being reviewed, including Section 24. The maintenance of the necessary protection for individual scientists and their research institutions and for the commercial confidentiality of their work is a priority in the review of Section 24. No decision has yet been taken on whether to repeal or amend Section 24.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 125902; 351 c534W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Access Disclosure of information Data protection Animal experiments
Legislation: Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk