HC Deb 18 February 1954 vol 523 c241W
97. Mr. Hastings

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences for the import of live animals, performing and otherwise, have been issued during each of the last six years.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Since 1946 most kinds of live animals originating in and consigned from Commonwealth countries have been admissible under the open general licence. Since August, 1950, most live animals originating in and consigned from a number of foreign countries have also been covered by the open general licence. In addition, live zoological specimens have been admissible without payment under open individual licences held by certain zoos for various periods. Finally, 166 specific licences for the import of live animals were issued in 1950, 231 in 1951, 348 in 1952 and 220 in 1953. Comparable figures for 1948 and 1949 do not now exist.