HC Deb 18 June 1931 vol 253 cc1966-7W
Mr. HANNON

asked the Minister of Health if he is now able to remove or modify the import prohibition on parrots and kindred birds; and, if not, what change of circumstances will be necessary to enable him to do so in the near future?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, before considering the question of removing the prohibition on the importation of birds of the parrot species I must be satisfied that the risk of the spread of psittacosis through the importation of these birds has disappeared, or has diminished to such an extent as to render it safe to rescind or modify the regulations issued in 1930. I may add that all relevant facts, including the collection of data from the foreign countries concerned, are receiving the attention of my Department.