WRITTEN QUESTION E-0291/02

by Charles Tannock (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(11 February 2002)

Subject: Animal experiments involving chimpanzees

Can the Commission confirm that the Biomedical Primate Research Centre in the Netherlands is the only scientific research institution in the European Union which currently conducts experiments involving chimpanzees? What rules are laboratories wishing to use chimpanzees or other advanced primates in experiments required to follow and do the Member States have any treaty obligations in this area? Specifically, is the Biomedical Primate Research Centre required to submit a specific request to the Dutch authorities before beginning each research project explaining why it is not possible to use other animal models, and what limits are placed on the suffering which chimpanzees and other primates are forced to endure during the course of these experiments?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(15 March 2002)

The Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC) in the Netherlands is to the knowledge of the Commission the only institution in the Community which currently conducts experiments involving chimpanzees.

In 1998 the Community became Party to the Council of Europe Convention, European Treaty Series (ETS) 123 (31 March 1986) for the protection of vertebrate animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes. The implementing tool for the Convention is 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(1). Appendix A of the Convention contains guidelines for the housing and care of laboratory animals. This appendix is transformed into Annex 2 of the Directive.

Under the auspices of the Council of Europe, a Working Party is currently reviewing Appendix A of the Convention concerning guidelines for the housing and care of laboratory animals. This revision is scheduled to be finalised and ready for adoption in 2002.

All research in Europe involving the use of animals is subject to the Directive 86/609/EEC. The Member States have responsibility to enforce this. However, it has become clear that Directive 86/609/EEC does not provide sufficient controls to safeguard the welfare of non-human primates. Therefore the Commission has taken stock of the current situation. Discussions with the Member States, industry and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the field of animal welfare have already started on the issues where further attention and controls are needed.

In the annex of Decision No 182/1999/EC of the Parliament and Council of 22 December 1998 concerning the fifth framework programme of the Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998 to 2002)(2), concerning the Quality of Life Programme, it is specified that research involving animals is restricted under this programme with regard to animal experiments and tests on animals, which should, when ever possible, be replaced with in vitro or other alternative methods. An obligation is placed on all applicants to describe the procedures adopted to respect the principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) and to protect the welfare of animals.

An ethical review has been implemented systematically under the fifth Framework Programme for proposals dealing with issues such as the use of non-human primates. The ethical review ensures that all research involving animals are conducted in accordance with Directive 86/609/CEE. It takes account of the overall benefit of the research proposed in relation to the possible costs in terms of animal suffering. Furthermore, participants in research projects must seek the approval of the relevant national authorising bodies prior to the start of the research activities.

In July 2001, the BPRC has informed the Commission that all research protocols are judged by a scientific committee. Prior to experimentation each protocol must be reviewed by an animal ethical committee (DEC). The DEC-BPRC is officially recognised by the Dutch authorities. The DEC ensures among others that no alternative methods are available.

(1) OJ L 358, 18.12.1986.

(2) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999.