§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environent what action his Department is taking to protect Britain's remaining red squirrels; what studies his Department is currently funding in this area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierThe red squirrel is fully protected through its listing on schedule 5 to the Wildlife and Countryside 157W Act 1981. I am advised that the NCC is considering mounting local surveys of red squirrels. The Forestry Commission carries out an annual survey of its own land holdings on a national basis for the presence of red and grey squirrels.