To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions her Department has had with operators of the seasonal agricultural workers scheme on the future of the scheme; and if she will make a statement. (151695)

[holding answer 23 July 2007]: There have been a number of meetings, both at ministerial and official level, with operators and their representatives since October 2006 about the future of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS). Those discussions have centred on the implications of the Government's obligations regarding EU Community preference, restrictions on Bulgarian and Romanian nationals and the future role of the Migration Advisory Committee.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment has been made of the ability of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme to fill the requirement for agricultural labour in 2008. (151698)

[holding answer 23 July 2007]: The Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS) allows farmers and growers in the UK to recruit overseas workers to undertake work that is both seasonal and agricultural. The scheme helps to meet any shortfall in the supply of seasonal labour from within the UK and those EU states with access to our labour market.

It is not the purpose of SAWS to fill the requirement for agricultural labour in the UK, and it has only ever met a small proportion of the total requirement for agricultural labour. Migrants from a number of other routes such as working holidaymakers are also free to work in the agricultural sector.

The horticultural industry is also able to recruit workers from throughout the EEA.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme quota will be set for 2008. (151700)

[holding answer 23 July 2007]: As in previous years, an announcement will be made on next year's quota in time to allow operators to recruit workers for 2008.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken following the meeting with the National Farmers Union about the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme on 2 May 2007. (151701)

[holding answer 23 July 2007]: I met with Lord Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food and Farming and Animal Health, on 15 May 2007 and we are arranging a further meeting with operators and the National Farmers Union to discuss the scheme.