andMrs. Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proportion of approvals in percentage and money terms of current Euro-loans to agriculture taken up by pig producers; and if he will extend this beyond its current deadline at the end of this year in view of the current problems in the pigmeat sector.
Written Answers. - Euro Loans to Agriculture.
114.
The exchange rate guarantee scheme of £200 million for farmers and private peat producers is being administered by the ACC and the Associated Banks. Under the terms of the scheme priority is given to farmers and private peat producers in severe financial difficulty due to the adverse weather conditions of 1985 and 1986.
The financial institutions have specific responsibility for assessing the creditworthiness and eligibility of individual applicants and detailed information in relation to participation in the scheme by pig producers is not available to my Department.
The possibility of an extension of the scheme beyond its present termination date of 31 December 1987 is under consideration in the light of all relevant factors including the Exchequer position, and the Government decision will be announced in due course.