Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department

Charges for certain plant health services provided by SEERAD were suspended in 2001 whilst a review was conducted on the legislative bases for these services. The review of certain plant health services has now been completed and SEERAD has concluded that a number of the charges concerned should have a specific legislative base. SEERAD has therefore decided, in principle, to repay to the organisations and individuals concerned the money that was charged for these services during the seven years prior to the suspension of charging. If you used the services listed below between the dates given, you should receive a letter explaining what action you should take to claim a refund of the fees you paid. If you do not receive such a letter by 31 May 2004, please write to SEERAD, providing details of when you used the services and the fees paid, and your claim will be investigated. The services affected are: Plant Health (charges paid between 15 January 1994 and 15 January 2001): Phytosanitary certification of exports of plant material to third countries. The Seed Potatoes Approved Stock Scheme. Seed Potato Inspections of Pre-Basic Seed Potatoes. Potato Quarantine Services. Contact Erol Kirvar, Plants, Horticulture and Potatoes, SEERAD, 1-B Pentland House, 47 Robbs Loan, Edinburgh EH14 1TY, telephone 0131 244 6352 or Email: PHP@Scotland.gsi.gov.uk In light of the conclusion of the review, the Department is now taking action to put in place the appropriate legal bases for charging for these services. Industry contacts will be provided with further details of arrangements for the resumption of charging in the next few weeks. Parallel reviews were conducted by the administrations in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and by the Forestry Commission for charging in respect of equivalent services. Separate announcements are being made on the outcome of these reviews. Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department 30 March 2004.