§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has on reduced interest rates in European Community countries which discriminate in favour of(a) small businesses and (b) farming businesses; whether such arrangements will be permitted in the single European market; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudeInformation on state aids in the Community, including in the small firms and agricultural sectors, is published in the European Commission's reviews of state aids in the Community. All state aid schemes are notifiable by member states to the Commission; the Commission then decides whether they are compatible with the treaty of Rome.