Written question asked by Lord Blencathra (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 July 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 July 2007. It was answered by Joan Ruddock (Labour) on Monday, 3 September 2007 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Squirrels

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will take action against the organisation www.squirrels.info, which suggests on its website moving grey squirrels about the country contrary to law.

Answer: The website www.squirrels.info was brought to the attention of Natural England some months ago. Natural England sent an e-mail to the website on 23 March 2007 to make them aware of their legal responsibilities under the Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). They have since responded, indicating that they no longer ‘take in’ squirrels and apologised for giving an incorrect impression through their outdated website. A further e-mail has been sent by Natural England to the website asking for clarification as it is not completely clear that they no longer do so. The licensing application process which can allow the legal captivity of grey squirrels has been explained to them.DEFRA and Natural England do not have the power to take action, or indeed prosecute anyone regarding the possible failure to apply for licences to possess and release grey squirrels. This is the responsibility of the police, who are the primary enforcement agency of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Natural England have already referred this matter to the Wildlife Crime Officer (WCO) of Hampshire police.

Secondary information