From ANDREW HUXLEY
I am writing in my capacity as chairman of the research subcommittee
of the Animal Procedures Committee about the Home Office scheme to support
research which could lead to a reduction, refinement or replacement of the
use of living animals for experimental or other scientific purposes. The
Animal Procedures committee advises the Home Office on the priorities for
such research and assists in the selection and evaluation of proposals.
Much work is already being done by charitable bodies and commercial
concerns to find alternatives to the use of living animals. But it is important
that those involved in research work and safety testing are not only involved
but are seen to be involved in seeking alternatives.
I am pleased to announce, therefore, that limited funds will be available
from April 1991 for research in Britain into the reduction, refinement or
replacement of the use of living animals in scientific procedures. The Animal
Procedures Committee will give preference to research proposals which have
a good prospect of leading to the refinement or replacement of procedures
which use large numbers of animals or which involve substantial suffering.
The committee also continues to be interested in the possibility of developing
better measures of disease, discomfort and stress in laboratory animals,
and in improvements in the husbandry of such animals. Grants will normally
be awarded for periods up to three years.
Details of the research scheme and how to apply may be obtained from
Peter Edmundson, E Division, Room 971, Home Office, 50 Queen Anne’s Gate,
London SW1H 9AT.
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Andrew Huxley Animal Procedures Committee London
