The Ministry of Defence has announced that the QinetiQ facility at Fort Road, Alverstoke, Gosport is to discontinue its activities.
The main activity at the research establishment has been experimentation on decompression and it has been necessary over the years to use live animals, in this case goats, in this work.
Before anyone gets too excited about this work, may I point out that I have myself been subject to decompression and explosive decompression on a number of occasions. I have always supported the work undertaken by QinetiQ which has been of enormous value in making life safer for air crew and for submariners.
The question now arises of the future of the goat herd of 40 goats. They have been exceptionally well looked after and I hope this will continue.
Having supported the goats during their distinguished service, I have told QinetiQ that they should take every possible step to ensure that the goats have a peaceful retirement.
There are technical provisions which apply here and a vet must certify that the animal is kept in appropriate conditions and that it will not suffer.
Having discussed the matter, I am confident that those involved will do their very best to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
07 February 2008 |
