By Martin Banks - 21st July 2009
We do not believe that implementation of the draft law will contribute significantly to any diversion of animal-based research in the EU
House of Lords report
An influential group of British peers say they do not support reducing the maximum term for authorisation of research projects for animals used in scientific experiments from five to four years.
This is one of the conclusions of a key inquiry by the House of Lords EU committee into the proposed revision of a EU directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.
The committee also calls for the proposal to be "unambiguous" in specifying the necessary limitations on the use of non-human primates in research.
In a report, the peers say, "We do not believe that implementation of the draft law will contribute significantly to any diversion of animal-based research in the EU."
The committee intends to produce the final report on the inquiry in November, but has written to the UK government with emerging conclusions at this stage because the Swedish presidency of the EU are keen to make early progress with the proposal.
It is expected that there will be significant discussions on it in September.
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