Written question asked by Jonathan Evans (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 September 2013, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 13 September 2013. It was answered by James Brokenshire (Conservative) on Monday, 25 November 2013 on behalf of the Home Office.

Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986: Wales

Question

(8) what proportion of regulated procedures conducted in Wales under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 were carried out for (a) fundamental and applied studies other than toxicity and (b) toxicity tests or other safety and efficacy evaluation in 2012;

Jonathan Evans:

Answer

In 2010, the Government made a commitment to work to reduce the use of animals in scientific research in “Coalition: our programme for Government”. The Coalition commitment is not concerned with just baseline numbers, but encompasses the replacement, refinement and reduction (3Rs) more broadly, putting them at the heart of a science-led approach.

We intend to publish a Delivery Plan later this year that will set out how the Government is supporting and encouraging these advances and the programmes and policies through which Government will continue to deliver its commitment. The consequence will be accelerated take-up of the 3Rs—both domestically and internationally—set on the tenets of good science, good animal welfare and good for the UK and economic growth.

I have placed copies of the latest annual statistics on animal procedures in Great Britain 2012 under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in the House Library and it is available from the Home Office website at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statistics-of-scientific-procedures-on-living-animals-great-britain-2012

The following statistics reflect the returns under project licences where the primary availability is in Wales under the authorities of these licences. Returns reported for Wales could therefore include statistics for animals used at additional availabilities at other establishments not in Wales, or work at non-licensed places, also not in Wales.

In 2012 in Wales, regarding the number of animals used in regulated procedures conducted under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA):

(a) 24,220 genetically modified animals were used;

(b) 9,803 animals with a harmful genetic defect were used.

During 2012 in Wales, 85,892 regulated procedures were carried out under ASPA.

At the end of 2012 in Wales, there were six designated establishments under ASPA. There were:

(a) one designated as a combined scientific procedures, breeding and supplying establishment;

(b) two designated as combined scientific procedures and breeding establishments;

At the end of 2012 in Wales, regarding the severity of project licences granted under ASPA:

(a) 54% were in the mild severity banding;

(b) 44% were in the moderate severity banding;

(d) none were in the unclassified severity banding.

During 2012 in Wales, 77% of procedures regulated under ASPA were conducted without anaesthesia.

During 2012 in Wales, one infringement of ASPA was recorded, which did not result in prosecution.

During 2010, 515 project licences were granted under ASPA in the United Kingdom of which eight were granted at designated establishments in Wales. All of these eight licences were still in force on 31 December 2012.

During 2012 in Wales, regarding the proportion of regulated procedures conducted under ASPA:

(a) all were carried out for fundamental and applied studies other than toxicity;

(b) none were carried out for toxicity tests or other safety and efficacy evaluation.

During 2012 in Wales, regarding the number of animals used in regulated procedures under ASPA:

(a) 48,850 mice were used;

(b) 4,206 rats were used;

(d) no hamsters were used;

(e) no rabbits were used;

(f) no horses and other equids were used;

(g) 465 sheep were used;

(h) no pigs were used;

(i) 454 birds were used;

(j) 153 amphibians were used;

(k) no reptiles were used;

(l) 30,942 fish were used;

(m) two cats were used;

(n) no dogs were used;

(o) no new world primates were used;

(p) no old world primates were used.

During 2012 in Wales, regarding the number of regulated procedures conducted under ASPA:

(a) 48,850 involved mice, of which:

(i) 23,981 involved genetically-modified animals;

(ii) 9,803 involved animals with a harmful genetic defect;

(b) 4,206 involved rats, of which:

(i) 239 involved genetically-modified animals;