Animal Experiments

House of Lords written question – answered at on 2 July 2014.

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Photo of Lord Hoyle Lord Hoyle Labour

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Taylor of Holbeach on 10 June (WA 7), why the number of scientific procedures on animals has increased from 2,652,673 in 1997 to 4,128,527 in 2012; in what areas of research procedures in 2012 took place; and what types and breeds of animals were being used.

Photo of Lord Taylor of Holbeach Lord Taylor of Holbeach The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department

The overall level of scientific procedures is determined by a number of factors including the economic climate and global trends in scientific endeavour. As the regulator, the Home Office ensures that a proper balance between animal welfare and scientific advancement is maintained which is achieved through a harm-benefit analysis.

The increase in procedures is primarily due to breeding to produce genetically altered animals. A comparison of breeding to produce such animals with other primary purposes, from 1995 to 2012, can be found in Figure 2, page 11 of the Annual Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain 2012, a copy of which is in the House Library (HC549).

Details of the areas of research and the species of animals used are published annually in the Annual Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain, copies of which are also in the House Library. The publication of statistics for Northern Ireland is a matter for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland, which separately publishes Northern Irish statistics.

In 2010, the Coalition Government made a commitment to work to reduce the use of animals in scientific research and our Delivery Plan has now been published and can be found on the GOV.UK website by searching for the document entitled, "Working to reduce the use of animals in research: delivery plan". The commitment is being delivered through a science-led programme, much of which is led by the National Centre for Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), an organisation with a strong record in reducing animal use.

The Government is committed to reducing the use of animals in research and the Delivery Plan shows how alternative methods can deliver fast, high quality research that also boosts economic growth.

Setting a target for the reduction in the use of animals would be flawed. We are wary of targets which we cannot control, but we do set criteria that can be controlled. In addition, if animals of a lower sentience are used then that may increase numbers.

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