Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on removing VAT from bee keeping equipment to help enable an increase in pollinators and benefit the environment.

Protecting pollinators is a priority for this Government. They are an essential part of our environment and play a crucial role in food production.

Our National Pollinator Strategy sets out how Government, conservation groups, farmers, beekeepers and researchers can work together to improve the status of pollinating insect species in England.

There are no plans at present to seek discussions with the Chancellor on the removal of VAT from beekeeping equipment. Defra maintains awareness of key issues affecting the beekeeping sector through regular contact with national associations and other stakeholders and I am satisfied that our current approach to supporting beekeeping is effective.

Government support primarily involves operating a system of apiary inspections and the provision of funding for training. These measures are valuable in helping beekeepers to maintain and improve their husbandry skills and in keeping levels of honey bee pests and disease to a minimum.

National Bee Unit inspectors also deliver our contingency response and their success in dealing with incursions of the invasive Asian hornet has been of great benefit to our beekeepers.