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Written Answers to Questions
Friday 14 September 2001
HOME DEPARTMENT
Animal Experiments
Linda Perham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Home Office inspectors were employed with (a) veterinary and (b) medical qualifications to implement the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in each of the last five years; and how many establishments are designated under the Act. [2563]
Angela Eagle: The information in respect of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate is as follows.
14 Sept 2001 : Column: 794W
| Year | Number with veterinary qualifications | Number with medical qualifications | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 11 | 6 | 17 |
| 1997 | 13 | 5 | 18 |
| 1998 | 16 | 5 | 21 |
| 1999 | 17 | 4 | 21 |
| 2000 | 17 | 4 | 21 |
The number of establishments designated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 as at 22 June 2001 was 253.
Salvia Divinorum
Miss Widdecombe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the legal status of the hallucinogen Salvia divinorum. [5783]
Mr. Bob Ainsworth: The Government are not aware of any evidence of significant misuse of this plant and have no current plans to review its legal status. The Medicines Control Agency investigates the trade in so-called "herbal highs" and can prosecute suppliers of unlicensed medicinal products.