Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of the 1,941 animals used in scientific procedures at DSTL Porton Down in 2018 were experimented upon under a multiple generic licence.

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Porton Down, Wiltshire, is licensed by the Home Office to conduct the Ministry of Defence's in-house research involving the use of animals.

In 2017 and 2018, no animals were used in scientific procedures at Dstl Porton Down under a multiple generic licence. Dstl does not hold licences of this type.

Animals are used in experiments to develop new vaccines, therapies and treatments that save the lives of UK military and can benefit civilians. Chemical and biological weapons are a real and present threat. That is why Dstl continues its vital work in providing better protection against the use of these agents and against conventional threats.