Pigeons

HC Deb 30 June 1983 vol 44 cc684-5

2. Mr. Arnold

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what restrictions have been imposed on the movement of British racing pigeons; and for what reasons.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Peggy Fenner)

A paramyxovirus associated with Newcastle disease exists in racing pigeons in Belgium, Holland, France and Germany and the Government concluded that appropriate steps should be taken to minimise the risk of importing the virus. In the light of this situation, and in co-operation with the Royal Pigeon Racing Association, racing by British pigeons from the mainland of Europe was suspended at the end of March.

Mr. Arnold

Is my hon. Friend aware that the ban appears to be of somewhat doubtful legality because of the manner in which it was made, and that a number of my constituents have lost a great deal of money because of it? Is she further aware that the veterinary evidence appears to be contradictory? What will she do to remedy the situation?

Mrs. Fenner

Veterinary experts now know that three outbreaks of the disease have been diagnosed in racing pigeons in Cornwall. An order is to be made today that will enable movement control to be applied to pigeons in Britain. The suspension was made in collaboration with the Royal Pigeon Racing Association, on a voluntary basis. Controls for other countries remain on that basis.

Mr. J. Enoch Powell

Is the hon. Lady aware that pigeon owners in Northern Ireland have voluntarily accepted the advisability of complying with this advice and have obtained a certain amount of compensation by racing the pigeons to the extreme north of Scotland and the extreme west of Cornwall?

Mrs. Fenner

No, I was not aware of that. I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for that information.

Mr. Farr

Will my hon. Friend confirm that this decision was taken only after receiving the most careful and considered advice from the veterinary profession that this was the best way in which to protect the industry?

Mrs. Fenner

I confirm that, and I am sure that the Royal Pigeon Racing Association accepted also that the decision was taken in the best interests of the pigeons.

Mr. Beith

Although I recognise that in animal health matters Ministers may have to act first and answer questions afterwards, would it not have been better to use the statutory procedures from the beginning? Would it still not be better to see that an order is laid before the House and debated so that, particularly in the light of the alarming evidence from Cornwall, the matter can be discussed and pigeon fanciers can have the opportunity to have their grievances properly aired?

Mrs. Fenner

The original suspension was based on the existence of the disease in Europe. It was only when we had evidence, which was confirmed only on Monday of this week, of the existence of the disease in Cornwall that we were required to make such an order. We have made it under section 11 of the Animal Health Act 1981 and, as the hon. Gentleman said, we sometimes have to take such decisions in the interests of animal health.

Mr. Charles Morrison

I accept that in the circumstances the Government had no alternative but to impose restrictions, but is there any chance that the disease will be overcome in Europe?

Mrs. Fender

I cannot answer that question, but the resumption of racing will depend upon the incidence of the disease, which we shall monitor carefully.

Mr. Mark Hughes

Does the Minister accept that the veterinary evidence for the ban is questionable and that the authority for the manner in which it was imposed is doubtful? Many right hon. and hon. Members on both sides of the House would wish to have the clearest evidence from her veterinary officials at an early opportunity, such as the middle of next week, to explain why this decision had to be taken. We need to be informed so that we can inform our constituents, who are being deprived of a great pleasure. Until we have that information, however much we might wish to support the Government on animal health regulation, we are at a disadvantage.

Mrs. Fenner

Our veterinary advice is of the most expert. I assure the hon. Gentleman that three outbreaks have been diagnosed and confirmed in Cornwall, and the movement order that will be available later today is evidence of the Ministry's concern to prevent movement, because of the incidence of disease.