§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the difficulties for nurserymen that have arisen from the EEC directive on potato cyst eelworm; what discussions he has 91W had with trade representatives; and what proposals he has to ameliorate the difficulties arising from a formal interpretation of this regulation.
§ Mr. GodberThe EEC directive is given effect by the Potato Cyst Eelworm (Great Britain) Order 1973. My officials have recently explained to representatives of growers how the order will operate and I believe that the particular difficulties they foresaw will not arise. My officials were able to assure them that, if it becomes necessary to restrict the cropping of any land, the restricted area will be defined more closely than they had feared.