19 June 2006 - The European Commission has confirmed that no EU cash will be spent on the construction, maintenance or activities of a controversial animal testing lab being built in Oxford.

Responding to a Parliamentary Question by Oxford ’s Green Party MEP Caroline Lucas, a spokesperson confirmed the proposed South Parks Road lab will not receive taxpayers’ cash from the EU – which remains committed to the eventual elimination of all animal tests.

EU Research Commissioner Janez Potocnic told Dr Lucas: ‘The University of Oxford is an active participant in the EU’s [Sixth Framework] research programme, but the Commission has no information about any intended proposals for EU-funded [research] projects [at the proposed] laboratory’.

Dr Lucas, who is a vice-president of the European Parliament’s cross-party Intergroup on animal rights and welfare, said she was delighted. She said:

“I am absolutely delighted that the centre – which is deeply unpopular and entirely unnecessary – will not be receiving taxpayers’ cash via the ‘back door’ of the EU.

“The European Commission has restated its commitment to the ‘3Rs’ – the reduction, refinement and replacement of animal testing (though Greens believe we should replace all animal tests with non-animal alternatives) – and I hope in so doing it has gone some way to countering the myth that it is only extremists who oppose the proposed new laboratory.” 

ENDS

Dr Lucas’ Written Parliamentary question

Reply from Research Commissioner Janez Potocnic