As released by the Press Office of the French Minister of Agriculture:

Jean GLAVANY received the beekeepers representatives - Paris, 09/01/2001

Jean GLAVANY, Minister of Agriculture and of Fisheries received on
Tuesday 9th. January 2001 the representatives of the Coordination des
Apiculteurs de France, as well as the representatives from the
Federation Nationale des Syndicats d'Exploitants Agricoles and the
Confédération paysanne (Farmers Unions).
It was to state the position relating to the insecticide "Gaucho".

Conforming to the Principle of Precaution, the use of this product on
sunflower seed  was subjected in January 1999 to a suspension in use for
two years, until the results of studies defined the effects on honey bee
populations.
The Commission of Investigation into the toxicity of anti parasitic
products used in agriculture found during the meeting of 13/12/2000 that
the collection of assembled data did not allow for the formal and
exclusive incrimination of sunflower seeds treated by the preparation
"Gaucho", nor did it conclude in the absence of risk for bees.

Before taking a new decision, the Minister has listened to the arguments
put forward by the beekeepers who understandably wish to preserve the
health and productivity of their hives.
Jean GLAVANYrecalled that all decisions that may have an impact on
health or the environment should be object to a profound risk
evaluation.

"If one has doubts, the Principle of Precaution should be applied. I
shall ensure that that I have all the scientific, technical and legal
guarantees before pronouncing on "Gaucho" as on all other pesticide
products susceptible of having an impact on bees and other pollinating
insects" declared the Minister on leaving the interview which took place
in a cordial atmosphere.
A decision will be taken, after advice from the Committee of
Authorisation who shall meet on the subject on the 11th. January 2001,
and after consultation with BAYER (product manufacturer) and the seed
merchants.

This is an un-official translation and should be taken as such.

Peter