§ Sir J. Edenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether his attention has been drawn to the recent arrival at Manchester Airport of 31 swans in containers, 19 of which were found to be dead; whether he is satisfied with the effectiveness of present regulations regarding the nature of containers in which such birds can be imported into this country; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BishopWe heard of this distressing incident on 31st July and immediately instituted an investigation. Fifty swans were being imported from Buenos Aires via Zurich: 18 were dead on arrival and one died later. Inquiries are being made of the Swiss authorities and the International Air Transport Association. I will let the hon. Member know the outcome.