§ 41. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the Wiltshire Bee Keepers' Association expressing their disappointment at the delay that has taken place in passing legislation dealing with bee diseases, and urging that a Bill should be passed at an early date making it illegal for persons to keep bees that are suffering 1844 from disease; and whether he can promise that such a measure shall be passed during the present Session of Parliament?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Runciman)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I hope that nothing will occur to prevent the Bee Disease Bill from passing during this Session.
§ Mr. RAFFANHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a conference of the leading bee-keepers of the country held in London in March last, which protested against the passing of this Bill; have they asked to be received by deputation, and will he receive a deputation before the Second Reading of the Bill?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes, I had a letter from these gentlemen, who entirely misconceived the objects and methods of the Bill. They have asked me to receive them, and I have arranged to do so.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODAre we to understand that people who keep bees which are suffering from disease are to be put in prison?