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Mr. Flynn
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the (a) training and (b) research undertaken by the armed forces which involves the use of animals with in each case the (i) species, (ii) numbers and (iii) procedures concerned; and if he will make a statement. [14234]
Mr. Spellar
[holding answer 7 November 1997]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 14 November 1997:
I have been asked to respond to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence on animal training and research by the armed forces as the majority of this work falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA).
DERA does not undertake any training with the armed forces which involves the use of animals. Specifically, medical officers and the other clinical staff are not trained in technical practises using live animals. The Defence Animal Centre at Melton Mowbray does, however, train animals for military duties. In the 1996/97 financial year, a total of 370 dogs were trained for search and patrol duties, and 60 horses were trained for ceremonial duties.
DERA carries out a number of research programmes involving the use of animals and aimed at providing the armed forces with safe and effective protection against specific operational hazards. During 1996, a total of 11221 animals were used. The species were: guinea pigs, hamsters, marmosets, mice, pigs, rabbits, rats, Rhesus monkeys, sheep and goats. To list all of the procedures would involve a disproportionate amount of effort.
One of these programmes involves specifically clinical staff from the armed forces. A small number of medical officers from the Defence Medical Services are seconded to CBD to work with DERA staff on research into the management of battle injury and trauma. During 1997, the species and numbers of live animals used up until the end of October in this research programme were: pigs—46; sheep–14; rabbits—8.
All work at DERA involving the use of animals is carried out strictly in accordance with the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.