Whether it uses research findings from universities that have experimented on live animals.

Government needs to have the best available evidence possible upon which to base all of its policy, statutory and regulatory activities. In some instances this may involve the results from experiments on live animals conducted in universities. In the case of novel pharmaceutical products, legislation requires that all must be tested on animals prior to being tested in clinical trials and ultimately obtaining a marketing authorisation for use in man. All research organisations, including universities, are required to comply with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which requires that animals used in research must be treated with care and respect. This is a reserved area of legislation.