HC Deb 11 July 1910 vol 19 cc5-6
Sir J. D. REES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he would explain why the Colonial Office Conference on the question of bird protection, while including members of the Selborne Society and the Royal Society for the Protection of Wild Birds, includes no representative of the London Chamber of Commerce, the members of which have had long experience in connection with the practical aspect of this question as it affects British trade; and (2) whether the Colonial Office will permit representatives of the trade in feathers to take part in the informal discussion now being held under Government auspices to consider the best means of bird protection in order that, in addition to the representatives of the case for protection, the representatives of trade may have the opportunity of representing their case and acquainting the elected members of the informal conference with the actual conditions under which feathers are imported into this country?

Colonel SEELY

The Conference being held on the question of bird protection is a purely informal conference between members of Government Departments, and I am not aware that there is any representative of any society upon it. It is obvious that before any definite action can be taken in the matter, those interested in the trade will have an opportunity of stating their case.

Sir J. D. REES

Are not the members of the societies named upon the Committee, whether or not they sit as representatives?

Colonel SEELY

That is not my information.

Mr. PERCY ALDEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that members of the textile traders on the London Chamber of Commerce have both directly and indirectly benefited by the illicit trade of smuggling in skins and birds, and will he see that no representative of this trade is on the Committee?

Colonel SEELY

I have said there is no representative of this trade on the Committee. Of course, we shall hear all sides before any action is taken.

Sir J. D. REES

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman accepts the hon. Member's description of the action of the persons he mentions?

Colonel SEELY

I think the hon. Gentleman had better settle his differences with my hon. Friend.