§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if, when he last met officials of the Forestry Commission, they discussed matters relating to the Red Squirrel Biodiversity Action Plan and Forest Enterprise's national plan for red squirrel conservation; and if he will make a statement. [66994]
588W
§ Mr. Macdonald[holding answer 26 January 1999]: My right hon. Friend has not discussed these matters with officials of the Forestry Commission. However, as part of Red Squirrel Week in September last year, my hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for fisheries and the countryside at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food launched the Forestry Commission's Practice Note on Red Squirrel Conservation. The Practice Note offers advice to woodland managers and conservationists which is based on the latest scientific research. It was prepared on behalf of the UK Red Squirrel Group which is the lead partner for the Red Squirrel Species Action Plan under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.