Written statement on New Chair of the Committee for the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes - Dec 18

Ben Wallace (The Minister of State for Security): My noble Friend the Minister of State for the Home Office (Baroness Williams of Trafford) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:

I am pleased to announce that Professor David Main has been appointed to the Committee for the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes (commonly referred to as the ASC) as its new Chair. This appointment is for three years, beginning on 1st March 2019. Professor Main is a Professor of Production Animal Health and Welfare at the Royal Agricultural University and a veterinary surgeon.

The ASC is an independent public body sponsored by the Home Office. It provides independent advice about issues relating to the use of animals in scientific procedures within the context of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Professor Main will replace Dr. John Landers, whose term as Chair ends on 28 February 2019.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Landers for his dedication to the role of Chair of the ASC for the past five years.