Just for Info:
Bayer, producers of the pesticide "Gaucho" are in the process of taking several French beekeepers to court.
Bayer insists that the molecule Imidacloprid has not been the reason for the decimation of bee colonies in France over
several years.
Most French beekeeping unions hold the opposite point of view.
Each side presenting evidence supporting its' case.

Maybe this will result in all the relevant information being properly considered and in a truly independent manner.

What ever the result - this episode highlights the need for the public authorities to tackle most urgently the manner and
method in which toxic materials are presented and placed on to the market.

I note according to the BBC Radio 4 item broadcast today (10/09/2001) that several notable medical publishing journals will
refuse to publish reports produced by pharmaceutical companies unless they are supported by truly independent organisations.
This situation coming about due to the realisation that unfavorable observations relating to new drugs etc. are being
suppressed.


Peter