§ Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that farmers in Morayshire who ignore the regulations of the Potato Marketing Board are being summoned to appear at a court in Edinburgh; and whether he will take steps to arrange that where court action is taken in such cases the venue of trial will be in the sheriff court of the district?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI understand that over 100 registered producers concerned, including four from Morayshire, were notified by the Potato Marketing Board that alleged infringements of the Potato Marketing Scheme would be considered at a special meeting of the Board held in Edinburgh on 26th April last, and were given an opportunity of attending the meeting and of stating their case. The power of imposing penalties is specifically reserved to the Board, and such cases are not dealt with in the Sheriff Court. I have no power to take the action suggested in the question.