§ Mr. Wakehamasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied that there is fair competition under EEC rules as between growers in Holland and in the United Kingdom; and, in particular, whether any interest-free loans or other financial assistance available to Dutch growers amount to a concealed subsidy.
§ Mr. BishopI have no evidence of unfair competition or of any assistance to Dutch growers contrary to EEC rules. In some circumstances help, including interest-free loans for a limited period, may be available under Netherland's social178W insurance arrangements for self-employed farmers and growers who have been badly hit by natural disasters. Interest rate subsidies are also provided under Community rules for purposes for which capital grants are made available in the United Kingdom.