HC Deb 23 June 1898 vol 59 cc1209-10
SIR J. LUBBOCK (London University)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the so-called osprey feathers worn as plumes by certain regiments are only developed by, and are stripped from, the birds during the breeding season; that the destruction of the old birds involves the starvation of the young ones; and if he will consider the desirability of abandoning the use of a decoration which involves the slaughter of birds under circumstances now shown to involve such cruelty?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. ST. JOHN BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

Orders have been given that plumes composed otherwise than of so-called "osprey" feathers shall be prepared with a view to obtaining the sanction of Her Majesty to the abolition of the "osprey" plumes worn by the commissioned officers in certain regiments. The selection of a satisfactory substitute is difficult, and some delay may occur in effecting the change.