NATIONAL BEE UNIT

Early day motion 529, tabled 6 July 2005 by John Grogan (Labour). Signed by 67 members.

That this House notes the enormous economic contribution made by bees through their pollination activity; expresses serious concern at the Government's proposed cut to the Bee Health Programme at the National Bee Unit based near York; believes that a saving to the Government of £250,000 does not represent a sufficient return for the risk posed to bee health by the reduction in the number of bee inspectors who identify diseases in bee hives and spread best practice amongst the nation's 30,000 beekeepers; and calls on the Government to review its decision.

Signatures by party: Labour 33, Conservative 17, Liberal Democrat 17.