§ 23. Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has held regarding the future of pea growing in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI am aware of the concern caused to pea growers by recent announcements made by processing firms. My right hon. Friend discussed this question recently with the leaders of the Scottish National Farmers' Union and I have seen one of the firms principally concerned. We are keeping a close watch on developments in the processing field.
§ Mr. MacArthurIs my hon. Friend aware of the pressing need for more crop-processing plants in Scotland? Can he give any hope of progress?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI am grateful for the help which my hon. Friend has given me in this difficult matter. The fall-back in pea processing in Scotland is on account of falling demand in recent years, but we hope that this will be put right and that we shall see an increase in processing in Scotland.
§ Mr. MackintoshIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are promising developments in this direction in the 1662 Eastern Borders and that the Government should look with favour on them and give all the assistance they can in a large area which is entirely suitable for growing vegetables to be processed?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. There is tremendous scope for co-operation among producers, processing firms and others. We are encouraged by what is happening on the Borders and elsewhere, and the Government will give all the help they can.