§ 16. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what conclusions have been reached by the officer recently attached to the Forestry Commission especially to study the problem of grey squirrels.
§ Mr. John HareThis officer is engaged on a study of the grey squirrel population, which will take at least two years to complete. It is expected to give information, for example, on breeding and distribution, which will help to improve means of control.
§ Mr. DigbyIs my right hon. Friend aware that in the meanwhile the grey squirrel population is increasing enormously and that a lot of damage has been done to woodlands this summer? Is he aware that some action is needed, since the abolition of the 2s. a tail scheme has resulted in this increase in the grey squirrel population?
§ Mr. HareYes, but that is an entirely different question from the one on the Paper. I will certainly note what my hon. Friend has said.