§ 67. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the L.N.E.R. is refusing to accept Scottish seed potatoes for delivery in North Lincolnshire; and if he will have this traffic reopened without delay.
§ Mr. BarnesThe railway companies have been instructed that seed potatoes should be excluded from the operation of the restrictions on acceptance of traffic.
§ Mr. OsborneWill the Minister say when that instruction was given, and will he see that it is carried out, because the L.N.E.R. take no notice of it at present and Lincolnshire farmers are suffering?
§ Mr. BarnesIt was given on 20th November. If any new circumstances have arisen since then I will look into the matter.
§ Mr. Hector HughesIs the Minister aware that that refusal applies also to other forms of seed from Scotland, particularly from Aberdeen for the South; and may we have this restriction removed as regards all classes of seed?
§ Mr. BarnesIf the hon. Member will tell me the type of seed he has in mind, I will look into it. At present I am dealing with the question of seed potatoes.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanCan the Minister say whether any pressure has been exerted from the Scottish Office, as we have been pressing them very hard on this subject?
§ Mr. BarnesI am sure the Scottish Office always press when a Scottish matter is under consideration.