§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the changes in the numbers of Britain's bee population over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerI shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to encourage the growth and development of the bee-keeping industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerMy Department encourages the development of bee-keeping by ensuring a healthy bee population through strict controls over the import of bees and through systematic inspection of bee colonies for American and European Foul Brood. Free advice and a free diagnosis service are provided by the ADAS national bee-keeping unit.
Mr. Teddy Tayorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from growers of oilseed rape about the impact of the decline in bee numbers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerWe have not received any representations from growers of oilseed rape about the impact of any decline in bee numbers.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what positive contribution is made by the bee population to British agriculture and horticulture; and what importance he attaches to the preservation of the bee population.
§ Mrs. FennerThe bee population makes a positive contribution to British agriculture and horticulture through the pollination of a wide range of crops. I believe this is an important contribution and my Department will continue to help beekeepers by promoting a healthy bee population.