Written question asked by David Curry (Conservative) on Wednesday, 3 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 November 2004. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate she has made of the incidence of European foulbrood in the bee population in England and Wales. - Including figures.

Answer: Mr. Curry: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the incidence of European foul brood in the bee population in England and Wales. [196971] Alun Michael: The inspection programme is targeted towards areas and apiaries which are thought to be at greatest risk from European foul brood and other notifiable diseases. In 2004 the disease was confirmed in 691 colonies, 2.7 per cent. of the 26,000 inspected by the National Bee Unit's inspectors. Most of these cases were found in the Midlands and in southern areas of England and Wales.

Secondary information