§ Mr. Marlowasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the rate of interest available to small borrowers in each European Economic Community country; by how much that is abated and for what activities; who carries the cost of abatement; and how it is organised for farmers in each European Economic Community country.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithDetailed and up-to-date information requested is not readily available. I can however confirm that some Community countries operate arrangements to reduce the cost of credit for farmers; others, including the United Kingdom, give broadly equivalent assistance by means of capital grants. All these schemes are subject to the provisions of articles 92 and 93 of the Treaty of Rome.