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<p>Animal experiments at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Porton
Down are conducted under the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (ASPA)
1986 and are licensed by the Home Office. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not conduct
animal experiments for the development or testing of offensive weapons, and the Home
Office does not grant licences for these purposes. Dstl fully complies with the ASPA.</p><p>Animals
are used in experiments for the development of new vaccines, treatments or medical
procedures - results of the research using animals at Dstl Porton Down will not only
save the lives of UK service personnel but can also benefit civilians. It is MOD policy
that all medical products for use by service personnel are licensed in the same way
as any other pharmaceutical drug. Dstl's remit to provide safe and effective countermeasures
requires some testing in animals in order to meet regulatory requirements.</p><p>Dstl
Porton Down currently uses less than half of one per cent of the total number of animals
used in experimentation in the UK, and works to the animal welfare standards set out
in the Guidance on the Operation of the ASPA, and the Code of Practice for the housing
and care of animals bred, supplied or used for scientific purposes. Dstl has an active
programme to minimise the use of animals in experiments, in accordance with the principles
of the 3Rs (reduction, refinement and replacement).</p><p>It is not normal practice
for the Government to respond to Early Day Motions unless an MP has secured a debate
on the motion.</p>
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