§ Colonel Ponsonbyasked the Minister of Agriculture whether any steps are being taken to encourage bee-keeping in this country, in view of the importance of honey as a substitute for sugar in the event of an emergency, and the value of bees in increasing the productivity of orchards and fruit crops generally?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI fully appreciate the importance of the bee-keeping industry. Most local education authorities make provision for instruction in beekeeping, and in 32 counties in England and Wales grants are made to the local Bee-Keepers' Associations. A Technical Officer of my Department is also available for advisory and educational work. In addition, the demand for home-produced honey of good quality is being encouraged by means of the National Mark Honey Scheme.