§ 69. Major COLFOXasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that local authorities in several urban districts are attempting to prohibit or restrict poultry being kept in back yards, notwithstanding the fact that the bye-laws of such authorities give them no power to prohibit poultry being so kept; that the City of Nottingham has issued a general notice ordering that fowls kept in back yards must be removed within two months, failing which proceedings are threatened to enforce the removal thereof; and that as a result of illegal notices of this character many people have been coerced into giving up their fowls, thus reducing home production; and whether he will take steps to notify all local authorities that 672 the keeping of fowls under proper conditions cannot be interfered with, unless a nuisance is created or the public health endangered thereby?
§ Mr. PARKER (for Sir Alfred Mond)My right hon. Friend has no evidence that local authorities are exceeding their powers in this matter, and he does not think that any such notification as is suggested is called for. He understands that the National Poultry Council, who have been in communication with his Department, are about to issue a leaflet on the subject.
§ 70. Major COLFOXasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that local authorities which have erected what are known as council houses, largely subsidised from public funds, have in some instances prohibited the keeping of fowls on the gardens attached to these houses, even where the space and conditions are specially favourable; and whether he is prepared to suggest to such local authorities the adoption of such reasonable and adequate regulations under which poultry keeping can be permitted, thus increasing opportunities for greater home food production?
§ Mr. PARKERMy right hon. Friend would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which he gave to the hon. Member for Macclesfield on this subject on the 15th February.