§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the organisation R ed Alert about measures needed to preserve the indigenous red squirrels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanI have had no discussions with Red Alert about the preservation of red squirrels. Research by Red Alert is supported by grant aid from English Nature, the Government's statutory advisers on nature conservation, and regular contact is maintained between the two organisations. I am very much aware of the threat to our indigenous red squirrels and will encourage all measures to help them.