§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the benefits to forests of foxes: and if he will make a statement. [5822]
§ Mr. Chisholm[holding answer 1 July 1997]: The Forestry Commission will publish a paper later this year setting out the results of its review of the available information on foxes and forestry. Foxes are an integral part of the woodland ecosystem. In particular, they are natural predators of rabbits and voles, both of which can damage young trees.