I SINCERELY hope that the new scientific research facilities planned for Porton Down will focus on humane methods of research which do not include outdated animal experiments.

We are now living in an age of hugely advanced technology, plus the fact that our attitudes to animals have also advanced, and there is no need, ethically or scientifically, to abuse living animals in research.

Unfortunately Porton Down has a reputation for using animals in warfare and other forms of research, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if they had the courage and integrity to use this opportunity to set an example to other research institutions and to young scientists entering the profession, by promoting humane, non-animal research methods, which are available and are proving to be far more reliable than cruel, crude animal experiments.

ANN LANDER Wilton