HC Deb 10 November 1976 vol 919 cc182-3W
Mr. Welsh

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the present state of the Scottish raspberry industry and with the protection given to the industry by the Common Market monitoring system for soft fruit.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

Unlike previous years, raspberry growers did not experience difficulty this year in securing outlets for their crop and a carry-over of stocks was not necessary. This was largely due to a significant reduction in the planted acreage and a level of production more in line with the requirements of the home market. The monitoring of imports of processed raspberries has not so far indicated a need to consider the possible use of the associated protective measures which are available under the Community system should imports threaten serious market disturbance.