§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions he has had with the National Farmers Union on the recent increase in interest rates; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI have had no recent discussions with the National Farmers Union on interest rates. Policy on interest rates is, of course, the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who ha. s made it clear that interest rates are set at an appropriate level to maintain downward pressure on inflation.