§ Mr. Home Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why Her Majesty's Government have imposed a ban on the traffic of pigeons between Scotland and the mainland of Europe; how this ban is to be enforced; and for how long it is to remain in force.
148W
§ Mr. John McKayThe ban has been imposed because of evidence in recent months of a paramyxo virus disease in pigeons in France, Belgium and Holland. Newcastle disease of poultry is one kind of this infection. Pigeon racing between the whole of Great Britain and member states of the European Community has therefore been suspended on veterinary advice and with the full co-operation of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association.
A voluntary agreement on the suspension of racing which has been in effect since March was supplemented by statutory controls under the Exportation of Pigeons Order 1983 which came into effect on 23 June. Under this order a licence is required to export to EC countries pigeons destined to fly back to this country. No licences will be issued in the present circumstances and these restrictions will remain in force until no longer needed.