§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will outline in detail the response by the Government to the Scottish seed potato scheme and how this fits in with the Government's policy of giving encouragement to such initiatives.
§ Mr. YoungerThe Scottish Seed Potato Association has proposed that a Scottish seed potatoe development council should be created under the Industrial Organisation and Development Act 1947. My noble Friend the Minister of State, Scottish Office, and I strongly support new marketing initiatives for Scottish agricultural produce, and we accept the need in particular for a new and co-ordinated effort to promote the marketing of Scottish seed potatoes at home and abroad. But the current proposal raises issues of principle, and I have noted that it is opposed by a sizeable minority of producers. While, therefore, an early decision is desirable, I want to be sure 383W that the outcome is going to be widely acceptable, to stand the best chance of achieving the agreed objective.