HC Deb 24 March 1980 vol 981 cc438-9W
Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will take steps to reduce the delay being experienced on the Isle of Wight in obtaining Ministry inspectors to supervise the destruction of bee colonies affected by foul brood disease.

Mr. Wiggin

Supervision of the destruction of diseased bee colonies by an appointed officer is required only when they are to be compulsorily destroyed under the Foul Brood Disease of Bees Order 1967. Under the order, examination, diagnosis, and consequent treatment or compulsory destruction of diseased bees takes place only during the period April to September inclusive. But the Ministry will give advice on disease to beekeepers at any time of the year.

I have arranged for disease control measures in the Isle of Wight to be given particular attention by the Ministry inspectors as soon as the new season begins.