SIR – I wonder if local residents are aware that because of an exemption (section 44(2)) in the Freedom of Information Act 2000, they are not allowed to know what animals their local animal testing laboratories are licensed to use.

This is worrying in the case of any breach of security causing animals to escape.

The local authority would not be given information about what types of animals were loose, so hampering them in putting in place appropriate measures to safeguard both people and animals.

Perhaps local residents should be contacting their MPs about this.

PAULINE BURGESS
Malvern