§ Lord Inglewoodasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are prepared to deploy lethal and humane measures to control grey squirrels in the light of the record of non-lethal and humane measures. [HL1649]
§ Lord WhittyGrey squirrels, unlike our native red squirrels, are not a protected species and owners and occupiers of land and property may control them if they feel this is necessary to prevent damage. Private pest control contractors may also be employed to undertake this work. The actual method of control is also at the discretion of those carrying out the work, provided that the method used does not contravene current legislation, such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986.