§ Earl Peelasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to create a single organisation to deal with invasive alien species, including the grey squirrel, as recommended by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' Review Group; and, if so, when. [HL4233]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)The Government's response to the Review of Non-native Species Policy report recognised the arguments put forward by the Review Working Group and acknowledged the case for improved co-ordination of relevant functions and provision of advice across Great Britain.
My department has held initial discussions with the devolved administrations, other government departments and agencies that work on issues associated with non-native species, to develop a mechanism for improving co-ordination. I anticipate that we will make an announcement early next year.