§ 25 and 26. Lord SCONEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he is aware that the proposed scheme for the reorganisation of the marketing of Scottish raspberries has failed to gain the approval of the majority of Scottish growers, mainly be cause the crisis that has overtaken the industry during the past two seasons has been caused not by inefficiency within the industry but by unrestricted imports of foreign fruit, which imports are not affected by the proposed scheme; and will he therefore consider the advisability of proceeding no further with the projected marketing board;
(2) how many growers are parties to representations received from growers in Scotland against the proposed scheme for the reorganisation of the marketing of Scottish raspberries; and what acreage do they represent?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRRepresentations against the approval of the scheme have been made to me by 107 growers stated to occupy l,833 ½ acres. I am not, how ever, aware that the scheme has failed to gain the approval of the majority of Scottish growers. The objection to, and criticisms of, the scheme contained in the representations referred to are now being considered in accordance with the provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Act. My Noble Friend will appreciate that I cannot anticipate the result of that consideration.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman recommend to his right hon. Friend that raspberries be placed upon the free list if the raspberry growers fail to co-operate?