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Ms. Walley
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environent what action his Department is taking to protect Britain's remaining red squirrels; what studies his Department is currently funding in this area; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Trippier
The red squirrel is fully protected through its listing on schedule 5 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. I am advised that the NCC is considering mounting local surveys of red squirrels. The Forestry Commission carries out an annual survey of its own land holdings on a national basis for the presence of red and grey squirrels.