A BOLTON MP is calling for a reduction in animal experiments -- and has vowed to continue his support to investigate alternatives.

Dr Brian Iddon, MP for Bolton South East, said he wanted to see fewer animal experiments in medicine and veterinary science.

In a debate entitled "Non-Animal Alternatives to Animal Experiments" held in Parliament, the MP said too many animals had been used to test chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, in the past.

But he also condemned militant organisations like Stop Huntingdon Life Sciences Cruelty (SHAC) and the Animal Liberation Front.

He said: "Pressure from the more militant organisations could drive experiments involving animals for veterinary or medical research out of this country and into countries where the strict legislation that exists in the UK does not.

"That would defeat the fundamental aim of their campaigns."

Dr Iddon described the work of organisations such as The Lord Dowding Trust for Humane Research, The Dr Hadwen Trust and The Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Animal Experiments (FRAME) as examples which should be followed.

He is working with FRAME to promote the use of alternatives to animal experiments which are currently being developed at Nottingham University.

"It is not sufficient just to produce alternatives to animal experiments, but it is essential that they are validated for national and international use", he said.