HC Deb 31 October 1945 vol 415 cc418-9
55. Mr. Maclay

asked the Minister of Food how soon it will be possible to issue food coupons to pigeon fanciers other than those who are members of the National Pigeon Service.

58. Major Niall Macpherson

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that pigeon fancying and racing form a principal hobby of miners in remote parts of the country, as well as of the usefulness of pigeons for communicating purposes in an emergency, he will extend the ration of pigeon food now allowed to members of the National Pigeon Service and to other members of pigeon clubs.

Sir B. Smith

I am afraid that there is no immediate prospect of rations being made available for pigeon fanciers other than those who are members of the National Pigeon Service.

Mr. Maclay

While appreciating the right hon. Gentleman's possible difficulties in this matter, may I ask if it is the case that much more generous treatment is given to greyhounds and other animals which race, and does he not think that if this is so, comparable treatment might be given to persons who go in for pigeon racing?

Sir B. Smith

I am not competent to give an answer with regard to greyhounds. It already takes 6,200 tons of food to supply the birds covered by the National Pigeon Service, and on the pre-war estimate of 2,500,000 birds it would need 45,000 tons to maintain them.

Mr. Vernon Bartlett

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to keep the dove of peace alive?