HC Deb 04 February 1954 vol 523 cc533-4
14. Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the Regulations governing the issue of a licence to import sea lions into the United Kingdom from a dollar area.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

There has recently been a large number of applications for licences to import sea lions from the United States, all of which have had to be refused. Some of these sea lions were gifts, but we could not agree to issue licences for valuable gifts intended for commercial use.

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a former constituent of mine has been placed in a somewhat peculiar position in having received the unusual gift of a consignment of sea lions by air from the United States; and that after prolonged consultation at London Airport with immigration and Customs and Excise authorities—who may or may not have taken their fin prints—the sea lions have now been impounded in the Zoo? Can he say what is to happen to them?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I understand that the sea lions are the property, or are in the possession of, Her Majesty's Customs. Whether or not they are the property of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, questions about their disposal should be addressed to him.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Are sea lions and Super Oil Seals the same thing?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I think we have moved away from that subject now.