§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement outlining the current position regarding the formation of a Scottish seed potato producer's association; and what is the Government's policy with regard to this matter.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownThe central council for agricultural and horticultural co-operation has funded for six months a project to further the possible establishment of an association to promote and develop the marketing of Scottish seed potatoes.
I understand that a draft proposal will shortly be circulated to all growers—including grower merchants—who had seed potato crops certified in 1978 and that they will be asked to indicate whether they are willing to support the formation of an association.
It is, therefore, for seed potato producers themselves to decide whether an association should be formed, but the Government have given, and will give, all practicable encouragement to the promotion of the Scottish seed potato industry.