§ Mr. MoateTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about serious frost damage suffered by United Kingdom plum orchards; if he has received representations for maintenance aid to help growers who have modernised orchards and marketing and who are now at risk; and if there is any European Economic Community assistance in this respect.
§ Mr. CurryI have received representations from the NFU and individual growers on the possibility of aid for plum producers affected by severe frosts earlier this year. I naturally sympathise with the difficulties experienced by some producers but the Government do not normally offer compensation for the effects of adverse weather. EC assistance is not available for growers in these circumstances.