§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the health of the hardy nursery stock industry in Scotland; and what plans he has further to develop and promote it.
§ Sir Hector MonroThe container sector of the industry has seen increasing sales and prices whereas in the bare-root sector overproduction of some lines has led to price reductions. Overall demand is good and activity on the landscape supply side shows signs of an increase. Growers have generally accepted the new single market plant health regime—plant passports—without major problems.
I was pleased to be able to lend my personal support this year again to the Scotgrow exhibition and I hope to attend the launch of Scottish Plants early next year. In the meantime we are considering whether the Government could make a financial contribution towards a joint initiative by the National Farmers Union of Scotland, the Horticultural Trade Association and Scotgrow to employ a full-time promotional officer.