§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he examines national aids given to agriculture by other member states of the European Economic Community to ensure that they comply with articles 92 and 93 of the treaty of Rome; and whether he will publish in the Official Report details of the national aids given to agriculture by the other member states, together with the amount spent for the latest period for which figures are available in each case.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe European Commission is responsible for monitoring all aids given by member states with a view to ensuring they are compatible with the Community's rules. It would not be appropriate for my Department to duplicate this work. We are however constantly on the alert for national aids to agriculture that appear to breach the Treaty and remain fully prepared to refer substantiated cases to the Commission. Full details of aids to agriculture in other member states are not available.