§ Colonel YATEasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total amount of plumage licensed for importation into the United Kingdom since the import of plumage was prohibited; and whether such licences are still being issued?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANBetween February, 1917, and January, 1919, licences were issued for ostrich feathers from all countries, except France, to the aggregate amount of27½ tons. All other licences for feathers were in respect of feathers for bedding. As regards feathers from France, which, as the hon. and gallant Member is aware, are licensed by the Paris branch of the Department of Import Restrictions, there are no accurate figures as to licences issued, but it can be said with certainty that none of the following classes of feathers have been licensed from any source: Heron, egret, bird of paradise, lyre bird, albatross, condor, or Argus pheasant.