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Dept of Health

Answer

Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the benefits of medical experiments on primates, particularly in relation to (i) the prediction of side effects, (ii) the alternative of non-invasive techniques, (iii) vitro studies and (iv) computer simulations designed to mimic human metabolism; and if he will make a statement. [138880] Miss Melanie Johnson: The Department has not commissioned or evaluated any recent research on the benefits of using non-human primates in scientific procedures. The Animal Procedures Committee, which advises the Home Secretary on matters concerned with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, published a report in July 2003 on the use of primates in scientific research. The report recommends that the Government should convene a stakeholders' forum on the care and use of primates in experiments, to progress the issues raised in the report. The Government have agreed that a forum should be set up. Every effort will continue to be required to minimise primate use and find alternatives where practicable.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

138880; 413 c1359-60W;413 c1355-6W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Software Animal experiments Medical treatments Medicine Primates Research Side effects

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk