§ Mr. Maddenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the new obligations imposed on British Rail and other carriers of birds by the Transit of Animals (General) Order 1973.
§ Mr. StrangThe Transit of Animals (General) Order, which came into operation in September 1973, specifies the responsibilities placed on carriers of birds to protect the birds from unnecessary suffering. In making provision for such matters as the feeding and watering of, and attendance on, birds during transit, this order supplements and makes more explicit the requirements of the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and the Conveyance of Live Poultry Order 1919.
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§ Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will amend the Transit of Animals (General) Order 1973 so as to permit the carriage of racing pigeons by rail.
§ Mr. StrangI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Goole (Dr. Marshall) on 12th May.—[Vol. 911, c.166.]