Handling procedures for information received in relation to the classification of seed potatoes have been designed to take into account legislative developments, particularly the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and the Data Protection Act 1998.  Applicants should be aware that from the growing season 2007 onwards it is the Certifying Authority's intention to publish details of all crops in the Register of Pre-basic and Basic Seed Potato Crops.  The following statement will now appear on the relevant forms "The Certifying Authority is bound by current disclosure legislation.  All crops which meet Pre-basic and Basic requirements at crop inspection will appear in the Register of Pre-basic and Basic Seed Potatoes."

The Certifying Authority may be required to release information, including personal data and commercial information, if requested under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 or the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.  The Certifying Authority will not permit any unlawful breach of confidentiality nor permit breach of obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998.