§ Mr. Welshasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the proposed regulations concerning the importation of cage birds will apply to the whole of the United Kingdom; and what consultations have taken place on this matter with Scottish-based organisations.
§ Mr. William RossI have been asked to reply.
These proposed regulations will apply to the whole of Great Britain. The agricultural authorities in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man have been informed of the proposals, and I understand that they intend to introduce similar regulations in the near future. In Northern Ireland there is already a general prohibition on the importation of birds from outside the British Isles, and imports from the British Isles are subject to licence.
Consultations have taken place with the Pet Trade Association, which is a 123W Great Britain body, and with organisations representing zoos, the veterinary profession and other interests concerned. In addition, various interested bodies in Scotland, including the National Farmers' Union of Scotland and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, have been notified of the proposals and have been asked for comments. No adverse comments have been received.