§ Lord Stanley of Alderleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will investigate reports that the French Government propose to offer French sheep producers £25 for every extra ewe bought, provided more than 40 are purchased, a further £40 for every ram purchased, and a further £1.30 for every ewe artificially inseminated; and, if these reports are correct, whether they consider such actions by the French Government to be in line with curtailing agricultural production in the European Community and whether these subsidies are contrary to the Treaty of Rome.
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Belstead)Under the Treaty of Rome, it is for the French Government to notify any such aids to the EC Commission; and for the Commission to determine whether they are compatible with Community law. We are in touch with the Commission to ensure that these procedures are followed.