asked the Minister of Agriculture if he intends to set up a national vegetable research station.

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I, in cooperation with the Agricultural Research Council, are taking steps to set up a Vegetable Research Station. The various interests concerned have been invited to nominate representatives to serve on the independent governing body under which the station will operate. As soon as constituted, the governing body will proceed to consider the siting, staffing and equipment of the station.

In view of the hold-up will the Minister take particular steps to speed it up?

I can assure the hon. Member that it is being speeded up.