§ Sir J. HARMOOD-BANNERasked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the advisability of removing the embargo on the sport of short-distance pigeon-flying which has been absolutely stopped by the present Regulation, as it is the popular pastime of a number of poor men who cannot afford long-distance flying where the Regulations are substantially reduced and long-distance racer pigeons are allowed; and whether he is aware that there would be greater safety in permitting the short-distance flying than the long-distance?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 28th May to a question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Wigan. I regret that the decision has caused disappointment to a large number of men who are interested in this sport, but I am afraid it is quite impossible to remove or modify during the War the restrictions which are essential in the national interest.