HC Deb 04 March 1941 vol 369 cc761-2
37. Mr. Mander

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps he is taking to supply a ration of feedingstuffs to members of the National Homing Union; and whether he is aware of the grave difficulties being experienced by pigeon fanciers in feeding their birds which both actually and potentially are a valuable asset in our war effort?

Major Lloyd George

Owing to the limited shipping space available for bringing foodstuffs to this country it is not possible to provide food for pigeons except those that are registered for the National Pigeon Service, which are required for the fighting Services. A limited increase in membership of the National Pigeon Service has been authorised. I am sending to my hon. Friend copies of recent Press notices giving further particulars.

Mr. Mander

If the priority pigeon corn is now available for birds on active service, will the balance of existing stocks be made available for other pigeons which may be wanted for service later on?

Major Lloyd George

I am afraid I cannot hold out any hope of any balance existing, but the pigeons required for national service will be looked after.

Mr. Mander

Cannot the existing stocks be drawn upon for the other birds?

Major Lloyd George

There are other more important uses for existing stocks. There has been a very drastic cutting down in feedingstuffs for pigs and poultry, and if there are any reserves they had better go there.

Mr. Cocks

Why is there a limitation imposed in the matter of national service, since a good many pigeon owners want to join and are not able to do so?

Major Lloyd George

The limitation is one of numbers, and is governed by the amount of pigeons required.

Mr. R. Gibson

Are feedingstuffs earmarked for this purpose?

Mr. Maxton

Is the Minister aware that only 5 per cent, of the total number of homing pigeons are in national service, and that all the others available are now to be deprived of any feedingstuffs?

Major Lloyd George

I am not sure about the figure which the hon. Member has given, but I appreciate that there is great hardship upon the people who have these birds. However, we have to deal with the situation as it is, and the fact is that the feedingstuffs which are available can be better utilised in the national interest in other directions.

Mr. Mander

Are the birds to be destroyed?