HC Deb 10 April 1941 vol 370 cc1712-3W
Mr. Mathers

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) what quantities of imported and home grown grain are allowed for consumption by horses normally used for racing and hunting purposes; and what percentages these quantities represent as compared with the last pre-war year;

(2) what quantities of imported and home-grown grain are allowed for consumption by racing pigeons; and what percentages these represent of pre-war consumption?

Major Lloyd George

I am obtaining the information asked for and will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Mathers

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the resentment felt by owners of cage birds such as canaries and budgerigars regarding the refusal of supplies of seed; whether he is aware of the estimate of 600 tons annually as the quantity required to feed all such birds in this country, and will he reconsider his decision?

Major Lloyd George

I am aware that the decision to suspend the import of bird seeds has been the subject of a certain amount of criticism. I cannot accept my hon Friend's estimate of 600 tons as the quantity required annually to feed all canaries and budgerigars in the country. Before the war over 9,000 tons of canary seed, nearly 9,000 tons of millet and 5,000 tons of dari were imported each year, and I regret that in view of the shipping situation the decision cannot be reconsidered.