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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of current guidance and regulations governing the siting of managed apiaries near residential properties and public spaces; and whether she plans to work with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to make an assessment of the level of risk posed to individuals who may be vulnerable to severe allergic reactions from bee stings.

Defra provides guidance to beekeepers advising that apiaries should be sited away from neighbours, footpaths or public areas to minimise risks to members of the public. Local authorities also use powers under section 79(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to deal with apiaries that may be a nuisance.