§ 73. Mr. MABANEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that plumage of certain birds is being freely sold in this country, and particularly in the West End of London, in contravention of the Plumage Act; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent the continuance of this practice?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Importation of Plumage (Prohibition) Act, 1921, does not prohibit the sale of plumage. I am aware that plumage, the import of which is prohibited by the Act, has been offered for sale, but inquiries made about a year ago showed that the plumage had been imported before the Act came into operation on 1st April, 1922. If my hon. Friend has information as to any cases in which prohibited plumage imported since that date has been offered for sale and will let me have the necessary particulars, I shall be happy to have inquiries made into the matter.
§ Mr. MABANEDo I understand from that reply that the osprey plumes being sold in London are being sold on the supposition that they were imported into the country before the Act of 1922 came into force?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have only given an answer with regard to the cases which have been brought to my knowledge. If the hon. Gentleman has any further cases, I shall be glad to look into them.