§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what success he has had in action against the varroa mite and related bee disease.
§ Mr. CurryFollowing the discovery of varroasis in the United Kingdom on 5 April controls were put in place to minimise the spread of the disease and an extensive survey of apiaries carried out to check the extent of the infestation. An infected area has been declared and movement into or out of that area is prohibited except under licence. Inspection and sampling outside the infected area revealed no evidence of the varroa mite. We are aware, however, that the mite is difficult to detect in the early stages of infestation. We are, therefore, continuing to keep the situation under close review and are prepared to amend the infected area if the disease is found outside its boundaries. The approval of veterinary medicines for the control of varroasis is being expedited.