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<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The overall level of scientific procedures is determined
by a number of factors including the economic climate and global trends in scientific
endeavour. As the regulator, the Home Office ensures that a proper balance between
animal welfare and scientific advancement is maintained which is achieved through
a harm-benefit analysis. <br><br>The increase in procedures is primarily due to breeding
to produce genetically altered animals. A comparison of breeding to produce such animals
with other primary purposes, from 1995 to 2012, can be found in Figure 2, page 11
of the Annual Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain
2012, a copy of which is in the House Library (HC549).<br><br>Details of the areas
of research and the species of animals used are published annually in the Annual Statistics
of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain, copies of which are also
in the House Library. The publication of statistics for Northern Ireland is a matter
for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland,
which separately publishes Northern Irish statistics.<br><br>In 2010, the Coalition
Government made a commitment to work to reduce the use of animals in scientific research
and our Delivery Plan has now been published and can be found on the GOV.UK website
by searching for the document entitled, "Working to reduce the use of animals
in research: delivery plan". The commitment is being delivered through a science-led
programme, much of which is led by the National Centre for Replacement, Refinement
and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), an organisation with a strong record
in reducing animal use.<br><br>The Government is committed to reducing the use of
animals in research and the Delivery Plan shows how alternative methods can deliver
fast, high quality research that also boosts economic growth. <br><br>Setting a target
for the reduction in the use of animals would be flawed. We are wary of targets which
we cannot control, but we do set criteria that can be controlled. In addition, if
animals of a lower sentience are used then that may increase numbers.</p><p> </p><p>
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