§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that Scottish seed potatoes form the basis of the crop for the rest of the country, he will remove Government control through the issue of certificates; and, in view of the necessity of maintaining the world-wide reputation of Scottish seed, he will leave it to a voluntary association of growers in which buyers would have confidence to manage their own affairs.
Mr. JohnstonThe scheme referred to in the Question is purely voluntary and there is no compulsion whatever on growers to participate in it. It is administered on that basis through the Department of Agriculture for Scotland and the need for maintaining the deservedly high reputation of Scottish seed potatoes is fully appreviated. All Scottish Associations of Growers and Merchants are regularly consulted by me on matters affecting the scheme.