§ 82. Mr. Lipsonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the effect of the ban on the import of bird seed on the pre-ban export of 50,000 birds a year to America and other countries; and what action he is taking to revive and extend this export trade.
§ Mr. BelcherThe ban on imports of bird seed applies only to private imports, as purchases for essential purposes are made on Government account. If private imports were allowed, it would be impracticable to ensure that these would be232W used mainly or solely for breeding birds for export. Our balance of payments position does not admit of imports of bird seed for non-essential home consumption.