§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will raise at the Agricultural Council the decision of the Irish Government to make financial assistance at reduced interest rates to young farmers and small farms; and whether if necessary, he will seek a ruling from the European Court as to its legality in terms of the common agricultural policy.
§ Mr. WigginMy right hon. Friend has no plans to raise this with the Agricultural Council. Member States have a duty to report State aids to the European Commission and it in turn will ensure that such aids do not distort competition within the terms of the Treaty of Rome.