§ Lord O'HAGANasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied with the EEC regulations affecting vegetables grown from seed; and what steps they propose to take.
The MINISTER of STATE, MINISTRY of AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES and FOOD (Earl Ferrers)On our Accession to the Community in 1973 some misunderstandings arose, notably concerning the EEC régime because it does not provide for the same variety to be marketed under different names. However the seeds industry and the trade have now adapted to the necessary changes, and these have certainly reduced much of the previous confusion which surrounded the naming of vegetable varieties.
The Government are concerned to improve further the EEC régime. In particular we wish to see more flexible germination standards, and I put this point to the heads of the EEC seeds certifying authorities when I met them last week.