§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what plans he has to aid the marketing of Scottish raspberries in view of the present difficulties being experienced by this industry;
(2) if he will take steps to introduce a marketing board or other market mechanism for the soft fruit industry in Scotland and the raspberry industry in particular.
§ Mr. William RossUnder the Agricultural Marketing Act 1958 it is for the producers concerned to take the initiative if they wish to establish a marketing board As for other market mechanism, the hon. Member may have in mind co-operative selling, and under the Agricultural and Horticultural Co-operation Scheme grants are available to encourage the development of co-operation in horticultural production and marketing. Interested producers should get in touch with the Central Council for Agricultural and Horticultural Co-operation.
§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what are the immediate and long-term prospects of the Scottish soft fruit industry, especially the raspberry industry; and if he will make a statement;
483W(2) what steps he is taking to improve the prospects of the Scottish raspberry industry.
§ Mr. William RossMainly as a result of over-supply in relation to available processing requirements, Scottish soft fruit growers have been experiencing difficulty in finding satisfactory outlets for their raspberry crops. It is essentially a matter for growers to adjust supplies to the needs of the market but, provided a reasonable balance can be achieved, I am confident that the future prospects for the Scottish soft fruit industry as a whole are generally good.