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<p>The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) makes has an active programme
to reduce and replace animal experiments and in recent years we have developed a number
of alternative methods for testing that do not require animals. We will continue to
look for alternatives so that we minimise our use of animals.</p><p> </p><p>Animal
experiments are regulated by the UK Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA).
Under ASPA, “animal experiments” are referred to as “scientific procedures”. In accordance
with ASPA, Dstl makes an annual report of scientific procedures to the Home Office.</p><p>
</p><p>The numbers of scientific procedures using animals conducted at Dstl Porton
Down between 2009 and 2015 have been previously reported to the House as in the table
below:</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>Year </strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Total</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2009</p></td><td><p>8,452</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2010</p></td><td><p>9,438</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2011</p></td><td><p>9,722</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2012</p></td><td><p>8,830</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2013</p></td><td><p>6,461</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2014</p></td><td><p>4,124</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2015</p></td><td><p>3,249</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><ins
class="ministerial">For the years 2016 to 2018, the numbers of procedures are in the
table below. Data for 2019 will be available later this year.</ins></p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><ins
class="ministerial"><strong>Year </strong></ins></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial"><strong>Total</strong></ins></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><ins
class="ministerial">2016</ins></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">2,747</ins></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><ins
class="ministerial">2017</ins></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">3,905</ins></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><ins
class="ministerial">2018</ins></p></td><td><p><ins class="ministerial">1,941</ins></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
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