asked the Secretary of State for Air whether there is any control of the number of pairs of homing pigeons which members of the National Pigeon Service are permitted to breed from, and if so, why and what is the maximum annual requirements of grain for the feeding of show and high-flying pigeons; and whether the amount required is actually withdrawn from the 1,400 keepers of fancy pigeons of different breeds in this country?

Control is exercised by the Committee of the National Pigeon Service by the issue of food coupons to members who undertake to provide a definite number of pigeons for Government purposes. The shipping situation has made it necessary to reserve all pigeon food for the use of pigeons required by the Services. The total number of show and high-flying pigeons in this country is not readily ascertainable and I cannot therefore say what the annual requirement in grain would be.

Am I right in assuming that 1,400 people who own show pigeons are being asked to sacrifice their hobby in the interests of homing pigeons required for the Services? Is my right hon. Friend aware of the difference in treatment between this recreation of the working man and that of the wealthy racehorse owners?

I would not put it that these people are being called upon to make special sacrifices; the position rather is that there is only room to import a certain amount of foodstuffs. Therefore, special arrangements are being made in regard to the food for pigeons which are useful to the public service.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the amount of damage done to allotments by thousands of pigeons in London? Can nothing be done to kill them off?