Medical Research (Animals)

Part of the debate – in Westminster Hall at 1:27 pm on 23 May 2006.

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Photo of Evan Harris Evan Harris Science, Cross-Portfolio and Non-Portfolio Responsibilities 1:27, 23 May 2006

I certainly endorse the hon. Gentleman's comments. The key point is to recognise that work is being done on finding replacements, refining animal experiments and minimising the number of animals used. However, we must recognise—this is my only criticism on the issue—that as more animal modelsare created as a result of transgenic research, more breeding pairs will be produced. That is particularly true of mice. More mice will be used, so we need to lower expectations on whether there will be a reduction in the overall numbers.

That technique is powerful, and as more genes are identified, more animal models may be used. We will continue to see an increase there, but minimisation of the numbers is still possible within that, and I wholly endorse the strategy of the three R's. I look forward to the Minister's response.