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Home Office

Answer

Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Government intends to implement the recommendations of the House of Lords report on the use of animals in scientific procedures. [91308] Mr. Bob Ainsworth: The Government's response to the report of the House of Lords Select Committee on animals in scientific procedures was published on 20 January 2003 (Cm 5729). Copies have been placed in the Library. The Government welcomes the Select Committee's report and notes in particular, and endorses, its finding that animal experiments are currently necessary to develop human and veterinary medicines and to protect humans and the environment. We have reaffirmed our commitment to the fullest possible application of the 3Rs--the refinement of scientific procedures, the reduction in numbers of animals used and their replacement wherever possible--and to greater openness regarding the use of animals in scientific procedures, subject to safeguards for personal and confidential information. We have also accepted that the administrative burden imposed by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 must be kept to a minimum without compromising the welfare of the animals used. We will pursue these issues and a number of other actions arising from our response to the Select Committee's report over the coming months.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

91308; 398 c170W;398 c171-2W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Animal welfare Animal experiments Regulation Research Select Committee on Animals in Scientific Procedures

Link

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