HC Deb 23 April 1953 vol 514 c1392
37. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to make it an offence for any person to offer live chickens, birds or goldfish in exchange for rags and old iron.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I can hold out no hope of the introduction of legislation on this matter.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Home Secretary aware that most of these chickens are only a day old when they are given away in exchange for rags and scrap iron and that they survive for only 48 hours afterwards? Something should be done to protect these animals and birds.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

If the hon. Member will give me some cases I shall be pleased to consider them.

Major Legge-Bourke

Would my right hon. and learned Friend consider making it an offence to bar the right of Private Members to pair purely because of party spite?