Officials' duties relating to the bee-keeping profession in 2001 comprised the following:Agricultural Staff (18)Participation at meetings with bee-keeping associations, andDealing with general enquiries regarding notifiable bee diseases and, as required, providing assistance with the collection of varroa samples for an autumn 2001 research project (co-ordinated by the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency).Scientific Staff (3)Provision of advice to Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) on notifiable bee diseases and bee poisoning incidents;Participation at meetings with bee-keeping associations;Provision of support in the enforcement of legislation;Diagnosis of varroa destructor in samples submitted by beekeepers and notification of results;Co-ordination of collection of varroa samples for an autumn 2001 research project, andAnalysis of bees association with suspected bee poisoning incidents and notification of results.Administrative Staff (3)Participation at meetings with bee-keeping associations;Policy responsibility for relevant orders relating to the control of bee diseases;Handling enquiries and processing applications for licences to import bees into Scotland; Liaison...