Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Scottish Seed Potato Industry

Thursday 22 July 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Scottish seed potato industry is renowned globally for its high health status, exporting to 40 countries.
  • The EU has refused to assess Scotland's application for equivalence under EU law despite the provision for it.
  • A temporary six-month marketing authorisation for EU seed potatoes in England and Wales expired as agreed.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Douglas Ross Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Scottish seed potato industry is known for its high health status and exports to 40 countries, with 80% of its exports outside the EU. The EU has not allowed its Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed to assess Scotland's application for equivalence.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for the Scottish seed potato industry?

Answer from George Eustice

The Scottish seed potato industry is renowned globally for its high health status, exporting to 40 countries including Egypt and Morocco. The EU has refused to assess Scotland's application for equivalence under EU law despite the provision for it. We are working with industry to address this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about recent discussions and actions taken by the government was not directly addressed.

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Q2 Douglas Ross Con
Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Scottish seed potato industry faces risks due to the EU's stance on equivalence and has significant exports outside the EU.

Question

To remove the risk to Scotland's seed potato industry and respect the principle of reciprocal trade, will the UK Government agree to prohibit the importation of seed potatoes from the EU?

Answer from George Eustice

A temporary six-month marketing authorisation for EU seed potatoes in England and Wales expired as agreed with industry and devolved Administrations. Any future applications will be assessed under GB regulations, encouraging the EU to apply its own rules and assess Scotland's application.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about prohibiting imports was not directly answered; instead, it discussed existing authorisations and future assessments.

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