§ 1. Mr. Remnantasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research it is intended to undertake for the extermination of grey squirrels; what organisation will undertake this research; and at what estimated cost.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. J. B. Godber)Proposals for intensifying research into methods of controlling grey squirrels are at present under examination by the agricultural departments and the Forestry Commission.
§ Mr. RemnantThat is only a partial answer to my Question. Does the Answer mean that where activities undertaken by my hon. Friend's Department have proved only partially successful, they must be abandoned? If so, why does not my hon. Friend, on that score, abandon his activities against foot-and-mouth disease?
§ Mr. GodberI could not accept the wider implication in that supplementary question All I am saying is that we are seeking to find some other and more effective ways of dealing with squirrels, and I shall welcome my hon. Friend's support.
§ Mr. RemnantIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.