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Written question asked by Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 20 July 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 September 2023. It was answered by George Freeman (Conservative) on Wednesday, 6 September 2023 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Animal Experiments

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the Advice on the use of the forced swim test published on 5 July 2023 by the Animals in Science Committee, whether she plans to fund the further development of human-specific, non-animal methods for research into (a) potential treatments for depression and (b) any other areas where the forced swim test is used.

Answer

The Government welcomes the Committee’s advice on the use of the forced swim test. The report and its recommendations are being carefully considered, and the Government will respond in due course.

The National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs) recently published a paper in collaboration with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on the use of the forced swim test in rodents, calling for more research into alternatives to the test. Funded through UK Research and Innovation, the NC3Rs has a range of funding schemes available to support the development of alternatives to the use of animals, including developing non-animal approaches to the test.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
195527
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Animal experiments Finance Research Animals in Science Committee
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk