SCOTTISH BEE HEALTH

That this House notes with concern the threat to the UK bee population, valued commercially at approximately £165 million by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, posed by an increase in reported cases of colony collapse disorder and resistance to the chemical treatment for the Varroa destructor mite; further notes that Scottish bee farms, which run 25 per cent. of the UK's commercial hives, are particularly vulnerable as the alternative treatment for the Varroa mite requires an ambient temperature of over 15 degrees centigrade; observes that the limited diagnostic and follow-up service for bee health matters in Scotland comprises only four bee inspectors; expresses concern that the budget for commissioned bee health research and development is lower in real terms now than in 2001 despite the risk to the bee industry increasing; and welcomes the support of the Scottish Beekeepers Association and Bee Farmers Association for greater funding for research into ways of combating the threats to Scottish hives.