SCIENTIFIC PROCEDURES ON ANIMALS AND THE USE OF NON-ANIMAL ALTERNATIVES

Early day motion 199, tabled 6 June 2013 by Martin Horwood (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 50 members.

That this House is concerned that despite the Coalition pledge to reduce the number of scientific procedures on animals, the number has risen to 3.79 million - the highest level since the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act came into force in 1986; notes that more than 50 years after the 3Rs principle - replacement, refinement and reduction - was first advocated, the number of animals being used in scientific procedures is increasing and outstripping the development of non-animal alternatives, in spite of the valuable work of the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research and other organisations involved in the development and promotion of non-animal alternatives; and believes the Government must increase its investment in this area and suggests this can easily be achieved, at no cost to the taxpayer, by imposing a levy upon each animal used, which would also serve as a catalyst for industry to speed up the development of non-animal alternatives.

Signatures by party: Labour 30, Liberal Democrat 8, Conservative 5, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Alliance 1, Green 1, Independent 1.