§ Mr. Wardellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list the sources of scientific evidence that led him to ban pigeon racing between France and the United Kingdom;
(2) if he will list any scientific studies that have connected homing pigeons with outbreaks of Newcastle disease in the United Kingdom.
§ Mrs. FennerThe susceptibility of pigeons to paramyxoviruses including the paramyxovirus that causes Newcastle disease has been recognised for many years. The risks involved in any situation must be assessed in the light of circumstances as they arise. The action taken in relation to the licensing of pigeon races from the Continent and the introduction of movement controls in this country are fully in accordance with well established animal health principles that Governments have applied for many years.