2. Glyn Davies: Following the remorseless advance of grey squirrels across Wales, red squirrels are now left in Ynys Môn only. The survival of red squirrels in Wales depends on a co-ordinated approach to habitat protection as well as on the culling of grey squirrels. Will you ensure that all agencies under your influence-the CCW, the Forestry Commission Wales and so on-do not take decisions such as that taken on felling trees, which are damaging to the survival of the incredibly beautiful red squirrel in Wales?

The First Minister: You are right that red squirrels are restricted to a small part of Wales, in Anglesey, and, therefore, they need to be protected strongly. I am not sure if you are right that felling trees is a threat to them, but I will look into the matter because we have a biodiversity duty, and protecting the red squirrel has been identified as a duty that we gladly accept. Therefore, if felling trees has an adverse effect on the survival chances of the red squirrel, the appropriate regulatory action will be taken.

3. Lorraine Barrett: As someone who loves grey squirrels as much as she loves red squirrels, I make a plea for grey squirrels. If any decision is taken to kill them, can you ensure, through whatever powers you have, and working with whatever agencies that are involved, that this is done as humanely as possible? The preferable decision would be not to kill any of them.

The First Minister: Nothing other than humane methods should be used to drive out grey squirrels from an area to expand the habitat reserved for red squirrels. The grey squirrel is a bigger, stronger, more omnivorous and cleverer competitor, and competes out the red squirrel. Therefore, you not only have to make the habitat clear for the red squirrel, but you must also, because of the parapox virus, have a cordon sanitaire between the grey squirrels and the reds. I appreciate what you say. There is no doubt, and I believe that Glyn Davies mentioned this last week, that grey squirrels are attractive. Children love them-small grey squirrels particularly. Many of them surround my house, and they are wonderful to watch in the morning. However, they are a huge threat to the red squirrel. There is a strong conservation obligation on us to preserve the few remaining red squirrels in Wales, and that will be prosecuted.

4. Brynle Williams: I agree with Lorraine Barrett that the grey squirrel must be controlled, but controlled humanely. We have many problems in north Wales also, with grey squirrels destroying young plantations and smaller wildlife. Will you consider this issue seriously? It seems that it is being taken rather humorously this afternoon, but it is serious.

The First Minister: Indeed-the grey squirrel damages crops and forestry, and young forestry in particular. However, we are considering whether it can live side by side with the red squirrel. The evidence is that it cannot. They will compete them out because they are bigger, stronger, eat more, will out-breed them and push them into the sea, if you like, and the red squirrels will decline to nothing. We will not allow that to happen.

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