Written question asked by Bill Etherington (Labour) on Monday, 17 November 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 November 2008. It was answered by Jane Kennedy (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 November 2008 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Bees

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps will be taken to maintain levels of UK production of honey from 2009.

Answer: DEFRA has consulted on a bee health strategy which is intended to develop beekeepers' skills in maintaining honey bee colonies through increased awareness of disease problems and improved application of husbandry techniques.The strategy recognises the importance of sharing responsibility between beekeepers and bee inspectors in monitoring bees for diseases and taking early action to tackle problems. Subject to completion of the National Audit Office's study into the Animal Health programme, the bee health strategy will be published early in 2009.However, honey production is also dependent on good weather in the months in which bees are active.

Secondary information