§ 37. Mr. Thomas Reidasked the Minister of Food if he will allocate more food for pigeons in the Swindon district.
§ Dr. SummerskillNo, Sir. We allocate pigeon food for distribution to members of the National Pigeon Service without specifying any particular locality.
§ Mrs. CastleIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in Blackburn too, many pigeons have to be destroyed because of the inadequacy of the feeding ration which she is making available? Will she not consider increasing the ration?
§ Dr. SummerskillI recognise, from the letters I get from Members, that there are many pigeons needing food, but pigeon food means cereals and pulses, which are in short supply in the world today.
§ Wing-Commander MillingtonWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that although it is very difficult to feed pigeons nowadays, because of the shortage of cereals and pulses, there was a time, not many years ago, when the war effort of this country was sustained by the voluntary work of pigeon fanciers? Will she not try to find more grain for pigeons, if only as recognition of the work which was vitally necessary during the war?
§ Dr. SummerskillWe have recognised that, but there are many more people who are keeping pigeons now who should have a share. In September we are allocating the pigeon food to the homing unions.