§ 78. Colonel APPLINasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department 594 whether he is aware that a consignment of about 500 live quail has been imported recently in crates; that they are kept confined in these crates and fattened for the market; and that these birds are netted during the breeding season on the Continent, involving cruelty as well as danger to the continuation of the species; and whether he will take steps to stop such importations?
Mr.LOCKER-LAMPSONNo, Sir. I have no information as to this consignment and there is no power to stop such importations; but on the general question of obtaining fresh legislation to restrict the importation of wild birds during the breeding season, the Bill for the amendment and consolidation of the Wild Birds Protection Acts, which my right hon. Friend introduced before the Recess, will afford my hon. and gallant Friend an opportunity of raising the question.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWill the hon. Gentleman himself see, from the point of view of his own Department, that Clauses are put into the Bill against the importation of these birds in the breeding season?