Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many applications for project licences to use animals under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 were approved on average in each week in 2024.

In 2024, on average 17 applications for project licences to use animals under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 were approved each week.

The Government publishes extensive guidance for the regulated sector on applying for project licences. Applications are internally reviewed by an establishment’s Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body before being submitted to the Regulator for assessment. Licence applications are then assessed by Inspectors; this includes conducting a harm-benefit assessment to determine whether the programme of work is favourable and meets the requirements of ASPA. A licence is only granted where this is deemed to be the case.