§ Mr. SPENCEasked the Secretary for Scotland, in view of the extending market for British honey and bee-keeping as a profitable line for smallholders, if he will inquire into the need for, and the establishment of, legislation for the control of bee disease in Scotland?
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Mr. ADAMSONThis question has recently been under review by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, and I am informed by the Board that there is considerable diversity of opinion among bee keepers as to the need for legislation for the control of bee disease. I appreciate the advantages which bee-keeping may have for smallholders, but I am doubtful whether the time is ripe for such legislation until a greater measure of agreement exists. If, however, evidence of a substantial measure of agreement among members of the industry as to the necessity for legislation and the lines which it should take is presented to me, I will give it my full consideration.