Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 91997E2051

**WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2051/97 by Eryl McNALLY to the Commission. The 4th Framework Programme-Research** 
  
*Official Journal C 045 , 10/02/1998 P. 0150*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2051/97 by Eryl McNally (PSE) to the Commission (16 June 1997)

Subject: The 4th Framework Programme-Research

In which of the specific programmes are experiments on animals funded?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission (14 July 1997)

Under the fourth framework programme the specific programmes using animals for experiments are Biotechnology, Biomedecine & health, Agriculture & fisheries (FAIR), Environment and climate (not in MAST), Industrial and materials technologies (IMT), Standards, measurements and testing (SMI), Radioprotection and cooperation with third countries and international organisations.

These experiments are made with objectives such as the protection of human health, the reduction of risks from chemicals, but also improved animal welfare or the reduction of the use of animals in testing. These experiments are legally prescribed when no alternative methods, such as in vitro tests, are available. In every project it is ensured that only the minimum number of animals are used.

The Commission remains committed to reducing the use of animals in research and to encouraging the use of alternative methods as soon as this is feasible. The support of the European centre for the validation of alternative methods (ECVAM) is significant evidence of the Commission's wishes on this important topic.

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