3. Mr. B. Harrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will introduce legislation to implement the findings of the Committee on the Transaction of Seeds.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Christopher Soames)My Department is working on proposals for legislation to implement most of the Committee's recommendations on seeds and plant breeders' rights, and there have recently been discussions on the Government's proposals with the organisations concerned. When it will be possible to introduce this legislation depends on parliamentary time being available.
Mr. HarrisonWould my right hon. Friend bring all the pressure to bear that he can on those people who are responsible for the Parliamentary timetable to bring this important bit of legislation forward? I am fully aware of what his 1291 Department is at present doing, and I think it would be a great pity if its work did not bear fruition in this Session.
§ Mr. SoamesIt is the Government's intention to legislate as soon as possible on this, especially in view of the fact that we have signed the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties.
§ Mr. FarrIs my right hon. Friend aware of the possibility that some part of the report may now be out of date in view of the fact that it is nearly three years since the original Engholm Committee reported?
§ Mr. SoamesNo. I do not think it is out of date. Anyway, as I say, our proposals are being drawn up in collaboration with the interested parties.