§ 36. Sir B. Jannerasked, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the cost of preparing and presenting to Parliament the Order of March 9th 1961, authorising the landing in London of one Bactrian camel; for what purpose this camel was imported; and what special features it presented which prevented him from making a general standing order to cover the importation of this camel.
The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. W. M. F. Vane)The cost of the Order was approximately £14. The camel was imported for exhibition by the Dudley Zoo. There were no special features about this importation. The General Order, to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member on 26th January, will I hope be laid before the end of the month. A number of legal difficulties had first to be overcome.
§ Sir B. JannerI thank the Minister for at long last coming to the conclusion that he will help to balance the Budget by means of one standing order. Is he aware that a giraffe is to come in, or has just come in, at the cost of another £14?
Mr. VaneYes, Sir; I was aware of the giraffe. I hope that this will be the last camel and the last giraffe to come in under this procedure.