§ 2 and 3. Viscount Lambtonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will relax the restriction on the entry of game and poultry eggs into this country;
(2) what restrictions there are on imports of live poultry into this country; and what is the reason for these restrictions.
§ Mr. SoamesThe import of live poultry and hatching eggs from most countries is prohibited because of the risk of importing poultry diseases, especially fowl pest. Imports are allowed under veterinary conditions from Ireland, Scandinavia, and Australia and New Zealand.
The Plant Committee recommended that where possible, the import of hatching eggs should be allowed if it was in the industry's interests, and I am examining where relaxations can with safety be made. I hope to be able to make a statement shortly.