91998E3227

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3227/98

by David Martin (PSE) to the Commission

(19 October 1998)

Subject: Use of baboons in xenotransplantation research in the UK

Is the Commission aware that wild baboons have been used in xenotransplantation (animal-to-human transplantation) research in the United Kingdom? Does the Commission consider that this is compatible with the provisions of Article 7(3), second indent, of Directive 86/609/EEC(1)?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(24 November 1998)

The Commission is aware that wild caught baboons have been used for xenotransplantation research in the United Kingdom. The use of animals for experimentation in the United Kingdom is regulated by the Animal Act of 1986 in accordance with Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes(2), and it is the responsibility of the national authorities - and not that of the Commission - that the provisions of the Animal Act are respected.

An exemption to use non-purpose bred animals can be obtained "under arrangements determined by the authority" (Article 19(4) of the Directive) and it is at the discretion of the authorities of the Member States that the applicant sufficiently justifies that "Experiments on animals taken from the wild may not be carried out unless experiments on other animals would not suffice for the aims of the experiments" (Article 7(3), 2nd indent).

(1) OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 358, 18.12.1986.