Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made an assessment of the effectiveness and independence of the Animals in Science Regulation Unit in overseeing licensed establishments under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

The Home Office keeps the effectiveness of the Animals in Science Regulation Unit under review. The Home Office has expanded the inspectorate, introduced additional expertise in data analysis and quality management, and is developing a revised, risk-based audit programme, including greater use of unannounced audits. A new governance board is also being established to provide additional support and scrutiny of regulatory performance, which will be operational later this year.

ASRU is independent in its regulatory decision-making. Its inspectors assess licence applications and compliance matters on their merits, applying scientific and professional judgement within the statutory framework of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. ASRU remains accountable to the Home Office for its overall performance, but Ministers do not direct individual regulatory decisions.