HC Deb 22 January 1953 vol 510 c54W
75. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he has taken. and is taking, to encourage farmers and other residents in the country to exterminate grey squirrels.

Sir T. Dugdale

County agricultural executive committees and county branches of the National Farmers' Union and Country Landowners' Association have been urged to organise vigorous action against grey squirrels through shooting clubs which are provided with free cartridges for the purpose. The growing menace of the grey squirrel will be stressed in material for the Press and by other forms of publicity. The Forestry Commission has set up a committee to consider measures against grey squirrels as forest pests and, in collaboration with the Ministry, is conducting, on its own lands, an intensive campaign against these squirrels.