To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received over the special assistance which other EC members provide for specific sections of agriculture, including horticulture, which are not part of general EC programmes and which are not replicated in the United Kingdom; whether such assistance can be continued after the single market comes into effect; and whether he will make a statement.

I receive representations from time to time about national aids paid in other member states. Such aids are subject to EC rules, and where there is evidence that an aid is not consistent with these rules my Department draws the attention of the European Commission to the matter. The EC's rules on national aids will not be affected by the single market.