To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Answer of 9 September 2019 to Question 282282 on Animal Experiments: Licensing, regarding licencing of the forced swim test under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, (a) whether project licences authorising multiple generic projects may include authorisation of the forced swim test and (b) what severity classification, according to definitions of severity described in the Act, is assigned to projects that include the forced swim test as an element of the programme of work.

Project licences authorising multiple generic projects under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (as amended) may include authorisation for the forced swim test.

Severity classification is not assigned at project level.

During the harm-benefit analysis the Home Office assigns severity classification to protocols in accordance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (as amended) which is published at:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/14/contents. The classification takes account of the highest severity likely to be experienced by any animal used in the protocol.

The Home Office ensures that animals are only used when necessary and under strict controls which keep suffering to a minimum. Any research which we licence must undergo a thorough harm-benefit analysis including ensuring that the planned work implements the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement).