Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many existing legacy licences are in force for testing cosmetics ingredients on animals; how many animals have been used for (a) such testing and (b) testing for ingredients used in (i) cosmetics and (ii) other types of products in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and whether she is taking steps to phase out such licences.

The Animals in Science Regulation Unit has granted seven project licences, or amendments to licences, that are currently active, that specifically authorise the testing on animals of chemicals used as ingredients in cosmetics under the REACH regulations.

A project licence authorises a programme of work within which the procedures are performed. Data are not collected on the specific numbers of animals used for individual tests.

The Home Office publishes annual statistics on the use of animals in scientific procedures. The statistics can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/animals-in-science-statistics

The Government is engaging with the relevant companies to review and determine a way forward on the remaining active licences.