Earl of DALKEITHasked the Secretary of State for Scotland for what reason Scottish Department of Agriculture has not yet introduced into Scotland the system for certifying strawberry stock as free from disease; and whether, in view of the fact that such a voluntary system has been in operation under the Ministry of Agriculture for English strawberry growers since 1927 and has operated to the benefit of the English strawberry culture, he will consider recommending the introduction of a similar system into Scotland at an early date?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRWhen the English scheme was instituted the Department inquired of over 300 Scottish fruit-growers whether in the event of the Department introducing such a scheme, they would take advantage of it. Only about 50 replies were received, of which half were in the affirmative. In these circumstances the Department, acting on the advice of the Scottish Horticultural Advisory Committee, decided to take no further action. I may add that I understand that the English scheme provides for the certification of strawberry stocks for purity and vigour, but not for freedom from disease.