§ 88. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the cruelty which frequently occurs in connection with the transport of tortoises in bulk to this country from North Africa and elsewhere and the high proportion of such tortoises that do not survive their first winter in England, he will take steps to make an Order under Section 23 of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1950, under which he is empowered to make Orders for protecting animals from unnecessary suffering during their passage to this country and on landing.
§ Sir T. DugdaleI am advised that the Diseases of Animals Act, 1950 does not apply to tortoises and that I have no power to make Orders as suggested.