To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many primates imported into the UK for the purposes of scientific research during 2008 and 2009 were reported to be sick or dead on arrival. (316437)

During 2008, no non-human primates imported into the UK for the purposes of scientific research were reported to be sick or dead on arrival.

During 2009, no non-human primates were reported to be dead on arrival. Two showed clinical signs leading to euthanasia after arrival and two had minor injuries requiring treatment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many overseas primate suppliers are accredited by his Department to export non-human primates to the UK; and in which country each is based. (316439)

The Home Office has no remit to accredit overseas primate suppliers. However, the use of any non-human primate from an overseas source under the authority of a project licence issued under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 requires prior approval which is given only if the conditions at the supplying centre, and at the breeding centre where the animals originate if different, are acceptable to the Home Office at the time of the supply.

There are a total of 10 overseas centres currently considered accepted to provide non-human primates to UK designated user establishments. They are based in Cambodia, China, Israel, Mauritius, Netherlands, Spain and Vietnam.