To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will bring forward plans (a) to promote training in apiculture and (b) to extend the role of his Department's Bee Unit. (143192)

The National Bee Unit organises a large number of training courses for beekeepers and assists with beekeeper associations' training and examination programme. 600 to 700 training events are held each year. The NBU is currently developing the reach of its training to increase awareness and control of pests and diseases among all beekeepers.