HC Deb 26 May 1965 vol 713 cc599-601
24. Mr. Alasdair Mackenzie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received a memorandum on the export of seed potatoes from potato growers in the north of Scotland; and what action he is taking.

Mr. Ross

I have received a memorandum from three potato growers outlining their ideas as to the possible development of overseas markets for Scottish seed potatoes. My Department has made a preliminary study of the matter and is arranging to discuss it further with the growers.

Mr. Mackenzie

May I thank the Secretary of State for that reply? Will he bear in mind the importance of the potato crop to the economy of this part of the country and the urgency of doing something to expedite matters in future?

Mr. Ross

Yes, Sir. We recognise the importance of the crop. I am glad to say that some gloomy forecasts about its future are not justified by our figures but we think that this matter is worth considering. We shall discuss it further, and until we have those discussions it would be unwise for me to say any more about it at present.

Mr. Stodart

Is the right hon. Gentleman fully seized of the potential in future from Scottish seed potatoes? In view of the fact that it seems a great pity that Holland is now beginning to supply not only other European countries with seed but this country as well, cannot the right hon. Gentleman stimulate interest and activity in promoting the export of Scottish seed?

Mr. Ross

Let us get this matter into perspective. In recent years the crop has ranged between 10,000 and 18,000 tons, and I am glad to find that translation from this side of the House to the other has filled the hon. Gentleman with strange new enthusiasms which we never knew about.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Will not the right hon. Gentleman take account of the experience of the Seed Potato Board in Ulster which in recent years has developed a tremendous seed potato trade with Mediterranean countries? Will the right hon.Gentleman study that in making up his mind about the export trade of Scotland?

Mr. Ross

It was because of our recognition of the importance and value of encouraging this trade that we decided to go further.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

As the right hon. Gentleman has expressed his interest in the importance of the seed potato trade, may I ask whether he will try to take steps to see that the Potato Marketing Board is not prevented in future from entering the market to stabilise prices as it was earlier this year by the Government.

Mr. Ross

I have crossed swords with the hon. Gentleman about this at Question Time on previous occasions and I still disagree with him. We think that it was right to authorise the Potato Marketing Board to enter when it did.

23. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now extend the system of sampling and sealing to all consignments of Scottish certified seed potatoes.

Mr. Ross

I am not convinced that the benefits of extending the system of sampling and sealing to all consignments of Scottish certified seed potatoes would justify the additional cost which would fall on growers. My Department is, however, studying how best to step up the rate of check inspections.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cost is not very great, as he told me on a previous occasion? Is he further aware that any steps which would strengthen the control would be in the interest of growers and their customers in England? Would he look at this matter carefully?

Mr. Ross

We have looked at it carefully. It would represent a considerable increase in the cost to the growers. It would cost about £50,000. I am certainly not convinced at the moment that the circumstances justify 100 per cent. inspection. We have had remarkably few complaints about quality.

Mr. G. Campbell

Is the right hon. Gentleman examining the situation which was recently drawn to the attention of his Department in which a consignment can be passed and sealed by inspectors in Scotland and then condemned on arrival in England? Does not he agree that if two standards for Scotland and England emerge in this way this will produce great difficulties for the Scottish growers?

Mr. Ross

If we find that these difficulties are being caused because of double standards we will certainly take action.