§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated population of grey squirrels in the Greater London area and the inner London area, respectively; what numbers have been destroyed during the past three years; and whether he will issue fresh guidance to householders plagued by this rodent as to the best way of preventing its depredations.
§ Mrs. FennerNo such estimates or statistics are available. This alien pest is not only guilty of urban depredations; it is also damaging valuable hardwoods in rural areas and replacing our red squirrel populations. I hope that in areas where the grey squirrel is causing damage all occupiers, and where appropriate local authorities, will apply vigorously the humane control techniques recommended in the advisory leaflet available from the Forestry Commission. Further guidance will be issued immediately warfarin can be used under the proposed order foreshadowed in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Middlesborough, West (Mr. Sutcliffe) on 26th January.—[Vol. 849, c.342–3.]