§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will take further steps to control the grey squirrel menace, in view of the Government's policy to encourage tree planting in 1973.
§ Mr. Peter MillsIt is for occupiers to control pests on their land, but my right hon. Friend has recently taken enabling powers under the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1972, to permit the use of new techniques for control of grey squirrels. Organisations concerned are now being consulted on the safeguards that will be required, and I hope that it will be possible to lay the necessary order early in the new year.