THE Government plans to announce their decision on whether they will include animal experiments under any future Freedom of Information Act before the end of the year.

Experiments on animals have been shrouded by a cloak of secrecy for over a hundred years. Excessive secrecy has stifled informed public debate and reinforced the view that there is something to hide.

Animal experiments claim that animals are only used when necessary, we want to see this claim put to the test. Surely, any proposal to use animals should be subject to the widest possible scientific scrutiny?

The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) is campaigning for animal experiments to be included in freedom of information regulations. We are calling for the 'secrecy' clause, Section 24 of the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to be repealed.

Ten years of NAVS investigations into the use of animals in UK laboratories has revealed experiments on animals when an alternative was available.

This issue generates enormous public concern and the public wants to participate in the debate, and see an end to animal experiments.

It is no longer acceptable for ministers or government officials to state they are 'satisfied' with decisions being made on animal experiments.

Applying freedom of information to animal experiments is a reasonable request and any reluctance from the Government only strengthens the argument that there is something to hide.

For more information and a copy of our latest postcard to send to your local MP, please contact the NAVS Tel 020 8846 9777 e-mail info@navs.org.uk. Address 261 Goldhawk Road, London W12 9PE.

Jan Creamer

Director

The National Anti-Vivisection Society.