ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL TESTS MUST BE FOUND FOR NEW EU SAFER CHEMICALS STRATEGY

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 20th Sep 2004

Guildford's MP has warned the government that plans to reduce toxic chemicals in the environment must not lead to an increase in animal testing. In debates in the House of Commons about proposals to test chemicals and eliminate those being used which harm health and the environment she has called on the government to invest in better scientific techniques to reduce the number of animals being used.

Sue said:

"There are 100,000 chemicals being used today that have never been properly tested for their safety to humans and the environment. We are in the middle of a dangerous experiment that is being carried out on all humans, animals and ecosystems.

"The EU proposals have the potential to improve our environment, protect wild animals and ecosystems and protect human health. Even polar bears, living far from the sources of pollution, are being affected by chemicals that build up in their body, damage their fertility and could eventually threaten the species.

"This is why even organizations like WWF accept that some animal testing will be for the greater good. But that means we have a responsibility to invest in research into alternatives that keep animal tests to the absolute minimum with the highest welfare standards.

"New figures this month showed a 2% increase in animal testing, despite earlier promises from the government that the number would be reduced. We now need a clear timetable for the replacement of animal tests so that we can have full confidence that they are not just saying the right thing when it suits them, but that they are doing the right thing too."