§ Mr. Wattasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the increasing importance of indigenous food production and the need to monitor the environment more thoroughly, the Government will now consider discontinuing the practice of charging for the Agricultural Advisory Service's analyses of soils, crops and other agricultural samples.
§ Mr. William RossThe effect of the charges made by the Agricultural Colleges in Scotland for analytical services is kept under review. The charges for certain services relating to plant disorders were withdrawn earlier this year. At the present time I see no need for further changes.
§ Mr. Wattasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current net income derived from Scotland from the practice of charging farmers for analyses by the Agricultural Advisory Service of 573W soils, crops and other samples of agricultural interest.
§ Mr. William RossIn 1974–75 income from the charges amounted to £47,000. This did not cover the cost of providing the services.