WRITTEN QUESTION P-1327/01

by Gary Titley (PSE) to the Commission

(25 April 2001)

Subject: Animal research at the Biomedical Primate Research Centre

One of my constituents has raised the issue of the Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC) in the Netherlands, which is the only research laboratory in the European Union which still uses chimpanzees in animal research. There is increasing concern about the grossly inadequate conditions for keeping primates. I understand that BPRC is willing to improve housing conditions but claim that lack of money has prevented major improvements from being introduced. Its income comes from the European Commission, industry and the Dutch Government.

Would the Commission clarify its position on financing research projects involving primates in establishments such as the BPRC where the housing conditions are so poor?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(18 June 2001)

The Honourable Member will be aware that all research in Europe involving the use of animals is subject to the Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes(1) The Member States have responsibility to enforce this.

The Commission has under the various Community research programmes paid particular attention to animal welfare issues. The commitment of the Community institutions to fulfil their obligations regarding animal welfare requirements is clearly stipulated in Decision No 182/1999/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 1998 concerning the Fifth framework programme for research, technological development and demonstration activities (1998-2002)(2).

The funding of 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 of proposals to describe the procedures adopted to respect the principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) and to protect the welfare of animals.

In addition, research on the development of alternatives to animal experiments is largely supported under this programme.

An ethical review has been implemented systematically under the Quality of Life programme(3) for proposals dealing with issues such as the use of non-human primates, generation of transgenic animals, etc. The ethical review panel includes, among others, representatives from animal welfare groups. The ethical review ensures that all research involving animals are conducted in accordance with Directive 86/609/CEE, in particular article 5. Furthermore, participants in research projects must seek the approval of the relevant ethics committees prior to the start of the research activities. The Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), which is situated in the Community but independent of the Community, has engaged itself contractually to fulfil all national legal and ethical requirements.

It is the intention of the Commission to continue to fulfil its obligations regarding animal welfare requirements when formulating and implementing the next framework programme.

(1) OJ L 358, 18.12.1986.

(2) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999.

(3) OJ C 260, 18.8.1998.