Bees Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateBaroness Howe of Idlicote
Main Page: Baroness Howe of Idlicote (Crossbench - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Baroness Howe of Idlicote's debates with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(11 years, 3 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, yes. We have had this discussion in your Lordships’ House before. I was pleased to announce recently that we are developing a national pollinator strategy precisely because of the concerns my noble friend raised.
My Lords, may I recommend, as an alternative to pesticides, the method used by the winner of this year’s St Andrews Prize? Around the crop growing areas, the trees were equipped with beehives because the elephants, which were doing the major damage in that area, were terrified of bees. This not only produced safe areas for crops but meant that there was honey money as well.
I am really very grateful to the noble Baroness. Farmers have not been complaining to me recently about the numbers of elephants but I shall keep my ears open.