Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations which extend to Scotland only prescribe the fees payable in respect of certain matters arising under the Seed Potatoes (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (regulation 3 and the Schedule). The Virus Tested Stem Cutting (VTSC) class in those Regulations has been replaced by 2 additional generations of class Pre-basic, 3 and 4.

These Regulations prescribe the fees payable–

(a)for the carrying out of crop inspections, tuber inspections and the provision of official labels and seals as regards the classes of seed potatoes known as the Pre-basic TC, Pre-basic 1 to 4, Super Elite and Elite and as regards Approved Stock (regulation 3 and the Schedule);

(b)for the initiation, provision and maintenance of nuclear stock (regulation 3 and the Schedule);

(c)for administration where an application for inspection as Pre-basic class generations 1 to 4, Super Elite or Elite is withdrawn before the arrival of an inspector due to inspect the crop for the first time (regulation 4 and the Schedule); and

(d)for administration where labels and seals are returned unused in respect of Pre-basic 1 to 4, Super Elite, Elite or A (regulation 4 and the Schedule).

Fees for the provision of official labels for Pre-basic 1 and 2, previously charged under paragraph 5 of the Schedule to the Seed Potatoes (Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2004, have been consolidated with the new Pre-basic 3 and 4 class generations under paragraph 4 of the Schedule to these Regulations.

The Scottish Ministers may exempt any person, class of persons, or persons generally from compliance, in whole or in part, with the provisions of these Regulations (regulation 5).

These Regulations come into force on 18th June 2005.

The Regulations revoke the Seed Potatoes (Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (regulation 6).

No Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared in respect of these Regulations.