§ 73. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that there is an increasing demand for honey in this country; what percentage of the demand is met by the production of honey in Great Britain; and whether he will take steps to improve bee-keeping standards by making available to beekeepers advice and education on a permanent basis through his Department's officers.
§ Mr. HoyI cannot estimate the demand for honey, but I can give figures for total supplies, including estimates of the home crop, which varies greatly from year to year according to the weather. In 1961, for example, which was a good year, home-produced honey accounted for 7,200 tons of a total supply of 17,600 tons; in 1965—a bad year for the home producer—it was only 900 tons out of 13,600. Educational work amongst beekeepers is the responsibility of local 247W education authorities, but the bee advisory officers of my Department will give specialist advice where needed.