Answers To Correspondents

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29377, 2 December 1960, Page 11

Answers To Correspondents

I notice how few beans have formed on my broad beans this year, and that there are very few bees about. I am wondering if this has any connexion with the Use of Lindane or other poisonous sprays. I would be interested to know if anyone else has noticed the same thing. People have been warned not to spray when crops are in flower because of killing the bees, and I would like to know whether they are sufficiently aware of the fact that if the bees eease to exist, a serious situation may arise?— JJL

Growers and auctioneers do not report any shortage of broad beans this year, so that this case is apparently an isolated one. The danger to bees by irresponsible spraying when plants are in flower is very severe. However, beekeepers are protected under the Apiaries Protection Regulations, 1957, which prohibit the spraying of brassica and leguminous crops with any-substance toxic to bees when these plants are in flower. Beekeepers are also represented by Mr T. E. Pearson, of Darfleld. on the recently-formed Agricultural Chemicals Board and so have a say in the formation of any further protective measures required.