Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to in the Animals in Science Regulation Unit's annual report for 2021, what steps she is taking to help ensure that fish are not subjected to additional harms beyond those licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

Animals used in science, including fish, are given protection under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). Work is only authorised after a rigorous assessment process through a three-tiered licensing system and the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement must be followed at all times.

The ASPA requires that each project licence holder ensures adherence to the severity limits as specified in their licence and observance of any other controls. If these constraints appear to have been, or are likely to be, breached, the holder shall ensure that the Regulator is notified as soon as possible.

Licensed establishments that use animals in scientific procedures are subject to both announced and unannounced inspections to assure compliance with the conditions of their licences under ASPA.