§ 27. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to prevent the killing and offering for sale of birds such as lapwing, larks, nightingales and songthrushes, which are protected by law, he will prohibit their entry, whether dead, or alive and in captivity.
§ Mr. H. WilsonThe import of all birds, whether dead, or alive in captivity, is prohibited except under licence. Licences are granted only in very exceptional circumstances to zoological gardens or for research purposes. No licences are granted for import of the birds mentioned by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs my right hon. Friend aware that many poulterers in London are selling birds protected by law and excusing themselves by saying that these birds have been imported from overseas? Will he at least condemn this very bad practice?
§ Mr. WilsonIf they are in the categories listed, either they have not been imported 2104 at all, in which case the statement is incorrect, or they have been imported illegally.