§ 1. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to increase the number of bee colonies in England and Wales.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Derick Heathcoat Amory)My Department and local education authorities afford assistance to bee-keepers by education, advice and the control of disease. I am at all times anxious that these services should be as effective as possible, within the limits of the resources available.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonIs the Minister aware that even in the non-rural county of Middlesex there has been a decline of some 500 colonies during the past twelve months, and is there not any other step which he feels he could take?
Mr. AmoryI have not been able to think of any step that I could usefully take. If the hon. Gentleman has any particular suggestions to make, I should be very glad to consider them.
Mr. G. WilsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that if he is looking for bee colonies, he might find plenty in the bonnets of some hon. Gentlemen opposite?