THE use of animals in research is highly emotive. So when people apply for
Home Office permission and licences for such research, the information they
provide is protected by Section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act
1986. Rightly, it has been government policy not to reveal the names of
establishments or individuals holding licences, or details of their work, unless
they expressly agree to it. However, the government now has a commitment to the
freedom of information and an equal one to protect individual scientists and
their research institutions from the actions of animal rights extremists.
Section 24 is…
Westminster diary
By Tam Dalyell
15 September 2001
