IN the years leading up to 1997 the use of live animals in this country was very slightly falling year by year.

It was still of course much to high at more than two and a half million. In 2008, the last year for which we have figures, it was more than three and a half million — 3,656,000 to be exact.

Mice bore the brunt of this but rats, fish, reptiles and birds were used in substantial numbers. Primates accounted for 4,600 tests or deaths — we are not told which — dogs 6,000, cats 360 and many other species.

The numbers arose by 14 per cent in 2008, by far the highest increase in many years.

Was it for this, that the Labour Party was elected the last three times?

They have certainly done nothing to curtail this beastly business.

Michael Gray

Hillcrest Park

Exeter