§ Sir G. Ellistonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, subject to the usual quarantine regulations, a reasonable share of shipping space can be made available for the domestic pets of soldiers and civilians returning to this country from India.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI fully appreciate my hon. and gallant Friend's desire that reasonable shipping facilities should be provided for the domestic pets of soldiers and civilians returning to this country from India. Unfortunately, in war conditions, there are serious difficulties. The ship's personnel have no time to help in looking after pets; the deck space is mostly taken up by life-saving appliances, defensive armament and deck cargo; what remain is already too limited for the convenience of passengers; and there are sanitary and other difficulties of different kinds. For these reasons, I regret that the present practice must be adhered to.