Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Griffith and David Duguid

Wednesday 10th January 2024 Commons Chamber

[The Minister for Science, Research and Innovation (Andrew Griffith)]

The day cannot come quickly enough when we are able to end the practice of animal testing. That day is not now, but this Government are committed to doing everything we can to bring forward and support the development of replacement technologies. The hon. Gentleman has my commitment that we will do that at the right pace.

[David Duguid (Banff and Buchan) (Con)]

T4. Will the Minister join me in congratulating SaxaVord on gaining its spaceport licence from the Civil Aviation Authority? Does he agree that the site in Shetland will serve as a critical vertical launch site not just for the UK but for the rest of Europe and beyond, and as such is deserving of full UK Government support?

[Andrew Griffith]

Yes, I congratulate SaxaVord on achieving the necessary licences to pursue vertical launches from Scotland. I hope to see the success of that launch, as well as rocket boosters under the UK space programme in 2024.