To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many procedures carried out on animals in Scotland in 2008 under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 involved (a) New World primates and (b) Old World primates; and what the primary purposes of those procedures were. (295693)

The total number of scientific procedures started using New World Primates in Scotland in 2008 was 37, of which the primary purpose was fundamental biological research for 29 procedures and applied studies—human medicine or dentistry for eight procedures. The number of scientific procedures started using Old World Primates was 1,277, for all of which the primary purpose was applied studies—human medicine or dentistry.