§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by county the current estimate of the red squirrel population; and what were the figures.(a) five years and (b) 10 years ago; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector MonroInformation on the red squirrel population is not available by county. The estimated total population of red squirrel in Scotland is 121,000 but: there are no comparable figures for five and 10 years ago. The red squirrel is fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Scottish Natural Heritage is organising a conference of parties interested in squirrel management in Scotland in October of this year.