§ Mr. Beithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) why he imposed a ban on pigeon races from the continent; on what statutory authority this ban was imposed; and whether he plans to introduce a new statutory instrument covering such ban;
(2) what evidence he has that pigeon racing from the continent can contribute to the spreading of Newcastle disease.
§ Mrs. FennerThe paramyxo group of virus diseases, of which Newcastle disease is one, is highly contagious and the Government considered it prudent to take appropriate steps to minimise the risk of importing them.
It was for this reason that, in co-operation with the Royal Pigeon Racing Association, racing of pigeons from other European countries was suspended at the end of March. This action has now been supplemented by the Exportation of Pigeons Order, which came into effect on 23 June.