February 13, 2001 9:52: CONTROVERSY over tests on animals at Huntingdon Life Sciences has brought the debate about vivisection to the fore. One sure way to eradicate animal experimentation is to develop effective medical tests in which no animals are used.

For 30 years the Dr Hadwen Trust has funded humane research into medical conditions and diseases. The aim is to find treatments for some of our devastating illnesses without need for animal experimentation.

Scientists who have received Trust funding have been able to develop replacements to experiments, that in turn have led to medical advances. These included the creation of an alternative to the notorious Draize eye irritation test, sparing tens of thousands of rabbits from agony. Also, an advance in the understanding of breast cancer. The Trust is funding 17 projects in the UK, from heart disease to arthritis.

This year it is giving £278,000 to projects aimed at replacing vivisection, all of it donated.

As keen supporters of the Trust we believe the Government could and should provide more funding non-animal research, not least because it would send an important signal to the research community and help cause a much-needed shift away from vivisection.

For the fact is that 2.5 million animals, including mice, cats, dogs and monkeys, die each year in British labs. Many suffer pain or distress during their lifelong incarceration.

The Trust is launching a nationwide petition calling for the Government to increase its funding. It is at Dr Hadwen House, 84a Tilehouse Street, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 2DY.

Shauna Lowry, Dame Cleo Lane, Joanna Lumley OBE, Fern Britton, Audrey Eyton, Evelyn Glennie and Sir Patrick Moore.