§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his assessment of the effect of the bees pest Varroa in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntThere are at present no confirmed cases of Varroa in Wales. The importance of disease prevention, however, is fully appreciated; a search of apiaries was conducted in Wales last autumn to establish if the disease was present, and a further search will be carried out this spring. If any cases of Varroa are confirmed, appropriate control measures will be implemented.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many bees officers are currently employed in Wales; what was the number in 1985; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntThere were seven bees officers employed in Wales in 1985. It is proposed to employ seven bees officers in 1993.