§ 29. Mr. G. Campbellasked the Minister of Aviation whether he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the British Overseas Airways Corporation to prevent unnecessary deaths caused by cramped conditions in the carriage of animals by air.
§ Mr. StonehouseNo, Sir; this would not be a suitable subject for a general direction. I understand, however, that British Overseas Airways Corporation already takes special measures to safeguard the welfare of any livestock it carries, and that its reputation in this respect is good.
§ Mr. CampbellWill not the Government try to do something, by direction, to prevent the kind of incident that was recently reported in the Press, concerning the deaths of about 300 Japanese squirrels in one consignment?
§ Mr. StonehouseI understand that the squirrels were Korean—but the point is a very serious one. B.O.A.C. is very concerned and has decided not to take consignments of this type in future, in order to avoid a recurrence of this tragedy.
§ Mr. David PriceWill the Minister bear in mind that there is being built up in this country an increasing anti-vivi-section campaign; that the import of animals, particularly monkeys, is essential to research in this country, and that where there is negligence on the part of B.O.A.C. or any other operator in importing animals for research purposes it strengthens the demand for repressive measures against legitimate biological research in this country?
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWhat are the present regulations, and are they being carried out?
§ Mr. StonehouseB.O.A.C. is very concerned to maintain the highest international standards in this respect. I am satisfied that that is what it intends to do in the future.