To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has had any discussions concerning the Scottish farmers farm assurance scheme; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend is aware of this initiative by the National Farmers Union of Scotland.Details of the scheme have still to be developed. In his view, however, the aims of this proposal, which are to secure consumer confidence in and demand for Scottish farm produce by developing and applying on a voluntary basis codes of best farming practice, are to be commended.