§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from small businesses or their representatives and farmers or farming organisations on the effects of the plant variety testing and seed certification review; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythRepresentations have been received from the United Kingdom Agricultural Supply Trade Association (Scottish Council) and the Scots Timothy Seed Growers' Association; the National Farmers' Union of Scotland has made its initial views known by means of a press release. These representations, and others received in response to the invitation to108W interested parties to comment on the report of the review, will be given careful consideration before decisions are taken by the Government on the report's recommendations.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration has been given to the effects in Scotland of the implementation of the conclusions of the review of plant variety testing and seed certification.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe report of the review of plant variety testing and seed certification systems has been made available to interested organisations with a request for comments to be submitted within a three month period ending on 15 July. After the end of the consultation period consideration will be given to the effects of implementing the report's recommendations in Scotland, and other relevant issues arising out of the report, in the light of the comments received.