[block_icon icon="icon-balance-scale"][dropcap]As beekeepers it is vital that the authorities responsible for bees and their welfare as well as the Association can freely divulge its members' details so as to deal with outbreaks of any foul brood and the like. Many associations are now obtaining specific consents from their members for this and similar purposes. In case it sounds like "Big Brother", the sole intention of the requirement is to assist all beekeepers and the National Bee Unit if and when a problem arises. On the other hand, many associations do not circulate members' details. There are clearly beekeepers who for political or other reasons do not want their details divulged. Chelsea would never share their game plan with Manchester City but for beekeepers the position is different surely? We need to know who our fellow beekeepers are, particularly those in close proximity to us so as to be sure, for example, not to encroach on their "forage areas", or, in the case of disease, to identify and deal with it decisively.[/dropcap] [/block_icon]