§ 3. Mr. H. Hyndasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the high rate of mortality of tortoises if subjected to transport during their hibernating season, he will consider the desirability of introducing an order prohibiting their importation into this country between 1st September and 30th April.
Mr. H. WilsonThe import licensing powers conferred on the Board of Trade under the Import, Export and Customs Powers (Defence) Act, 1939, are intended primarily to safeguard the balance of payments, and I do not think it would be appropriate to use these powers for such a purpose.
§ Mr. HyndIs my right hon. Friend aware that this is a serious matter? Has his attention been called to the recent incident at Plaistow involving over 200 tortoises and the one in October, 1950, 1978 at Peckham, involving some 6,000 tortoises? Is he aware that the Zoological Society of London strongly supports the efforts to get a close season, as suggested in my Question?
Mr. WilsonI am sure that the whole House will share the regret of my hon. Friend about these incidents, but I must reiterate that this is not a question which can be dealt with by import licensing powers. If it were to be dealt with at all, it would require special legislation.
§ Lieut.-Commander Curacy BraithwaiteAre not the tortoises likely to arrive at their destination more rapidly if they travel under their own steam, rather than by nationalised transport?
§ Sir William DarlingWhy does not the right hon. Gentleman stop the importation of tortoises altogether? Surely they are not indispensable.
Mr. WilsonI do not see why such a control should be applied. If the people of this country require tortoises I do not see why they should not be imported. The matter raised by my hon. Friend could be dealt with in other ways.