§ Mr. Ashtonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what help he is giving to farmers in Nottinghamshire who have uncultivated acres of land due to the bad weather over the past 18 months.
§ Mr. John MackieIn the debate on agriculture on 16th June my right hon. Friend and I indicated the difficulties, and the objections of principle, to compensating farmers for the risks of the weather. Although we have the deepest sympathy with the farmers concerned, we could not justify asking for exceptional powers.
Thevarious branches of the Ministry's advisory services in the region are continuing to provide advice both collectively and individually where this is needed.