Bureaucracy threatens Kingston's bees

31.10.02

MP backs Kingston Beekeepers against over-regulation by FSA

Local MP, Edward Davey, is backing the cause of local beekeepers who are being hit by extra charges and bureaucracy as a result of heavy-handed regulation by the Financial Services Authority. After a visit from a representative of Kingston Beekeepers Club, local MP, Edward Davey, has made written representations backing beekeepers across the country and this week backed a new Parliamentary motion to protect beekeepers.

Like foot and mouth in cattle, bee diseases can spread rapidly and in order to protect British beekeeping and insure themselves against the possibility of financial loss, most of Britain's 9,000 amateur beekeepers are members of a voluntary body called Bee Diseases Insurance Ltd (BDI). Although BDI has been in existence for many years and is a very small organisation, the Financial Services Authority has recently decided to subject the BDI to a range of FSA requirements normally meant for large commercial insurance companies.

Commenting on the case, Edward Davey said:

"This is a serious issue for beekeepers, and several from Kingston and Surbiton have approached me for my support. As well as producing honey, bees plays a vital role in our environment, by pollinating both flowers and crops, and so disease prevention is very important.

"BDI is a small, voluntary organisation yet is being threatened by the same rules and regulations as a large commercial insurance venture. If this continues, the important service for beekeepers may have to be stopped. This could lead to fewer beekeepers declaring diseased bees, as no compensation would be available, and so be disastrous for Britain's bee population. That would be bad news for our environment, for gardeners and for much wildlife.

"I am calling on the Government to review the FSA guidelines for small voluntary self-help organisations such as the BDI and am delighted to back this latest parliamentary motion."