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SNP adopts Welsh Conservative policy


The proposal by SNP MSP Aileen Campbell for a "Saltire" label is similar to that in Ireland and is suggested that it can encourage shoppers to purchase Scottish produce, to support our farmers and food producers and to cut food miles.

I think this is a very worthwhile idea and hopefully the Scottish Parliament will adopt such a radical step to help local businesses.

As I said in January 2007,

"The Welsh Conservatives proposed introducing a new “Guaranteed Welsh” logo to promote Welsh produce and services. The scheme - similar to a system already operating in Ireland - would make it easier for consumers to support Welsh companies and safeguard jobs in Wales. I am proud to say that this new policy came from work I underook for the party to examine the rural economy, and I believe that the introduction of the new logo will be a 'powerful device' in promoting Welsh goods and services.It would also safeguard Welsh jobs and promote Welsh quality as well as become an instantly recognisable symbol for consumers, who would know that when they buy a product or service featuring the Guaranteed Welsh logo, they are supporting Welsh companies and Welsh workers".

As the Welsh Conservatives have recently adopted a similar business rates system to Scotland as official policy, a scheme that was introduced with the full support of the Scottish Conservatives, then some could argue that this is a fair tactic by the SNP.

However, the great mystery is why Plaid Cymru, the Nationalist Party in Wales, has not adopted either the Guaranteed Welsh scheme nor enhanced business rates since joining Labour in power nearly two years ago.

Comments

Anonymous said…
and the SNP have been told the scheme could be illegal and challenged under European Law as protectionism, maybe that's why Plaid Cymru are staying away from a welsh version.
April 18, 2009 1:43 pm
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans said…
If that is the case, I wonder why the EU have not banned the "Guaranteed Irish" scheme which is still going strong

www.guaranteedirish.ie
April 19, 2009 11:10 am
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