Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 29 October 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 November 2001. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 November 2001 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reason his review of section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 is not yet complete; and when he will announce the conclusions.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason his review of section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 is not yet complete; and when he will announce the conclusions. [11804] Angela Eagle: Section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 prevents the disclosure by Home Office Ministers and officials of information about the use of animals in scientific procedures that has been provided in confidence. Following the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, all statutory bars to the disclosure of information are being reviewed, including section 24 of the 1986 Act. The Government have a clear commitment to freedom of information and is equally committed to the maintenance of necessary protections for individual scientists and their research institutions. I am considering very carefully how these commitments can best be met. A decision on whether to appeal or amend section 24 will not be made until later this year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 11804; 374 c175W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Disclosure of information Animal welfare Animal experiments Ethics
Legislation: Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk