Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the ultimate destination of the consignment of illegally imported plumage consisting of 325 bunches of cross osprey feathers valued at £1,555 10s. which was seized by the London Customs at Tilbury Docks in October last, and confiscated by order of the Court?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo information is available as to the proposed destination of the feathers in question.
Mr. THOMSONalso asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that large premiums are being paid to persons who attempt to evade the Customs Regulations made under the Plumage (Prohibition) Act; that a large consignment of wrens, linnets, bullfinches, etc., was found upon two persons at Dover recently: and what steps are being taken to tighten the Regulations to prevent the illicit import of prohibited plumage?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have no information that would confirm the suggestion made in the first part of this question; neither can any recent seizure at Dover of a large consignment of wrens, etc., be traced. If the hon. Member can supply 281W me with fuller details, the matter shall be further investigated. As regards the last part of the question, there is no evidence before me to suggest that all practicable steps are not already being taken to prevent the importation of prohibited plumage.