§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information his Ministry has as to the assistance given by other European Community Agriculture Ministers to their farmers; and if he will make a statement setting out the comparisons between aid provided in other European Community countries and the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MacGregorResponsibility for ensuring that national aids are in conformity with the treaty of Rome rests with the European Commission, and member states are required to notify such aids to it for approval.
When we are informed of a national aid which appears to contravene Community law we do not hesitate to bring the matter to the attention of the Commission.