Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to reduce duplication in animal testing.

The Government is taking several steps to avoid unnecessary duplication in animal testing. Under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, applicants must demonstrate that they have considered existing evidence and alternative approaches before animal use can be authorised. Home Office inspectors assess whether proposed studies are scientifically justified and whether the 3Rs have been applied as part of the project licence process. Licence holders must also avoid conducting procedures where the required data already exist. In addition, the Government’s Replacing Animals in Science strategy supports increased data sharing and the development and uptake of non-animal methods.