Press Reports

House of Lords

Discussion on 7th November 2006

Lord Rotherwick: 'To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their response to the finding in the report by the Songbird Survival Trust that grey squirrels are one of the main predators of songbirds.'

Lord Rooker (for the Government) tried to say that previous studies had showed that grey squirrels are not a threat to songbirds. The discussion veered off onto other issues and when pressed Rooker said that the review only covered 3 species out of 15 affected by grey squirrels (omitting the fact that 10 mammals were studied.)

Immunocontraception was discussed and Rooker said that grey squirrels are popular with some urban dwellers. No eradication was being contemplated.

When pressed further Lord Rooker said that he did not accept all the findings of SBS but said that if SBS has further unpublished information we can dicuss it with his department.

This invitation is an important development and Lord Rotherwick is following it up. We plan to make full use of this opportunity. Check back for further developments!

Date Added: December 27th 2006