asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the nature of the "acclimatisation premises supplying animals for research" referred to by Lord Strabolgi in a Written Answer on 6th December (col. 1608); how many of them there are; who owns them; who inspects them; and what import and export regulations apply to them.

There are two acclimatisation premises authorised as quarantine premises under the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and other Mammals) Order 1974 (as amended). These are Shamrock Farms Limited, and Animal Suppliers (London) Limited. They import animals, hold them for acclimatisation, disease screening and, if necessary, veterinary treatment prior to supplying them to research establishments.The premises are inspected at last every six months by Ministry of Agriculture veterinary inspectors. In addition each employs a veterinary supervisor authorised by and responsible to the Ministry under the Rabies Order.Both companies are recognised under the Medical Research Council's voluntary recognition scheme for the suppliers of laboratory animals: the premises are also inspected for this purpose. The import and export regulations which apply are those in the Rabies (Importation) Order and, where appropriate, the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976.House adjourned at twenty-two minutes past eight o'clock.