Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Rebecca Pow (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 April 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 April 2016. It was answered by George Eustice (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 April 2016 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 assessment she has made of the threat of the small hive beetle and the Asian hornet to the British bee population.

Answer

Defra’s Pest Risk Analysis for the small hive beetle, including an assessment of its potential impact, has been published and can be found at www.nationalbeeunit.com/downloadDocument.cfm?id=945. The species risk analysis for the Asian hornet is also available online at www.nonnativespecies.org/downloadDocument.cfm?id=643.

With the establishment of the Asian hornet in south-west France and its spread into northern France alongside the Channel, as well as the presence of the small hive beetle in southern Italy, the National Bee Unit has increased the number of risk based exotic pest inspections. It routinely provides advice and training to beekeepers to raise awareness of the threat and the need for vigilance.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
33528
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Animal welfare Bees Pests
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk