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Written question asked by Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru) on Tuesday, 13 April 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 April 2021. It was answered by Rebecca Pow (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 April 2021 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Bees: Imports

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 31 March 2021 to Question 174243, what steps he is taking to control the risk of small hive beetle being imported from the EU to Great Britain via Northern Ireland.

Answer

The Government recognises that some beekeepers are concerned about the new trading arrangements and the risks of exotic pests entering Great Britain, in particular Small hive beetle.

Small hive beetle would present a serious threat to our honey bees if it were to arrive in the UK. This invasive pest has only been detected in one part of Europe, namely southern Italy, and exports of bees from the affected region into either Great Britain or Northern Ireland are not permitted.

Imports of honey bees into any part of the UK are only accepted from approved countries, and are subject to rules relating to notification and health certification to ensure that imports are free of key pests and diseases.

Movements of honey bee queens, packages and colonies from Northern Ireland to Great Britain remain permitted. There is, and will remain, unfettered access for Northern Ireland goods including honey bees to the rest of the UK market.

We continue to work with colleagues in the Devolved Administrations as part of our monitoring of the new trading arrangements.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
180582
Session
2019-21
Related items
Bees: Imports
Wednesday, 31 March 2021
Written questions
House of Commons
Bees: Imports
Thursday, 29 April 2021
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Imports Northern Ireland Pest control Bees
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk