HC Deb 30 June 1983 vol 44 cc157-8W
29. Mr. Boyes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received in connection with the ban on pigeon racing from the Continent.

Mrs. Fenner

A number of representations have been received from both individuals and pigeon racing interests criticising the suspension of racing by British pigeons from the mainland of Europe.

Mr. Beith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why representatives of the National Flying Club were excluded from the meeting he held with representatives of pigeon racing organisations on Monday 27 June.

Mrs. Fenner

Officials met representatives of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association on Monday 27 June to discuss the disease situation in racing pigeons and the action taken in this and neighbouring countries. I am advised that the RPRA fully represents pigeon racing interests, and the consultation took place on that understanding.

Mr. Beith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why copies of the Export of Pigeons Order (S.I., 1983, No. 872) which came into force on 23 June 1983, were not made available to the Vote Office or the Library by 27 June 1983.

Mr. Jopling

This order did not have to be laid before the House and, as is normal practice, copies of the order, when printed, will be supplied to Parliament by HMSO.

However, because of the interest shown by hon. Members, I did, exceptionally, arrange for a supply of typed copies of the order to be placed in the Library and the Vote Office on 28 June.

I am sorry if the procedure for this sort of order has caused inconvenience to Members.

Mr. Beith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has any plans to restrict pigeon racing within the United Kingdom.

Mrs. Fenner

Paramyxo virus has been diagnosed as present in some racing pigeons in Cornwall. In these circumstances, consideration is now being given to the urgent adaptation of existing subordinate legislation so that movement controls on pigeons affected with the disease in Great Britain might be introduced to contain the spread of the virus.