§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to prevent the Varroa bee parasite attacking British hives.
§ Mrs. FennerTo prevent the introduction of the varroa bee parasite into this country, imports of bees are strictly controlled by licence and are limited to queen bees (and attendant workers) from a small number of countries which have a high bee status and are free from varroa. Port authorities have been alerted to the danger from swarms of bees which might arrive from abroad on ships and lorries or their cargo.
My Department maintains close contact with beekeepers' representatives on measures to control varroa should it be found here.