HC Deb 17 April 2000 vol 348 c360W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Prime Minister if he will visit Parliament Square to meet the protesters there; and if he will ensure that the state aid available to pig farmers is processed and paid as a matter of urgency. [119447]

The Prime Minister

Under state aid rules, the European Commission must approve a scheme before it can be introduced. The scheme we announced at the farming summit on 30 March has already been formally notified to the Commission, which has two months to respond. The scheme will be introduced as soon as possible following Commission approval.