§ Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to restrict the importation of delicate species of birds by air by means of a licensing system designed to ensure their proper transit, housing and care in the United Kingdom, in view of the latest published report of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
§ Mr. StrangThe importation of all species of birds is already subject to the provisions of the Transit of Animals (General) Order 1973 which makes it an offence to bring any living creatures to this country under conditions likely to cause unnecessary suffering. Since the introduction of the Importation of Captive Birds Order 1976, which is an avian disease control measure to protect the national poultry flock, the number of birds imported into this country has declined very considerably. However, I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department intends to seek the views of his Advisory Committee on the question of prohibition, except under licence, of the importation of particular species.