asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will carry out a comprehensive review of the regulatory status of chemical control agents for varroa control as part of bee health management practice. [HL3189]

Defra is currently consulting on the draft strategy on protecting and improving the health of honeybees in England and Wales. The strategy lists as a priority activity that the Government and stakeholders will work to expand options for the effective management of varroa destructor and associated viruses, including authorisation of additional treatments and their sustainable use through integrated pest management.

European legislation governs the authorisation and marketing of veterinary medicines for all animal species including bees and we are not aware of any plans to review the regulatory status of medicinal products to control varroa. Within the EU framework, the minor use/minor species initiative is being developed to provide opportunities to improve the availability of medicines to species where the manufacturers currently view the market as being limited. The minor use/minor species initiative is long term and the UK will be working with other member states to improve the availability of veterinary medicines.