asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the number of, frequency of, and necessity for, animal experiments and research at present; and the plans, if any, he has to introduce changes in the laws governing such animal abuse.
Written Answers. - Animal Experiments and Research.
98.
The returns for animal experimentation carried out in 1985 under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876 show that a total of 32,136 animals were involved in a total of 24,235 procedures. The returns for 1986 are not yet completed but are expected to show a similar level of activity.
The balance of medical and other informed opinion at the present time is that properly controlled animal experimentation contributes to advances which lead to the protection of life and alleviation of suffering. I accept that some animal experimentation will, therefore, continue to be necessary in the public interest subject to proper safeguards but I am anxious to keep the level of experimentation to a minimum.
All persons wishing to conduct experiments must be licensed by me under the Cruelty to Animals Act and all applications for licences are closely scrutinised by inspectors appointed under the Act.
I am at present reviewing the existing statutory controls in the light of the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and other Scientific Purposes and the EC Directive on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the member states regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes.