Letter: The minister in charge of bees

Sir: A phrase in today's Independent gave me pause for thought. It describes Michael Jack as 'the minister in charge of bees' ('Southern bees denied fill of moorland heather', 28 July). How does Mr Jack exercise his authority? And does he take the rap if one of his charges stings someone? It also raises wider issues - is there, lurking somewhere in the Government, an Under-Secretary of State for Slugs? Does some junior MP have Special Responsibility for Earwigs? I think we should be told.

Yours faithfully,

MARTIN ANDERSON

Paris