asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will investigate the possibility of providing short-term loans, free of interest, to farmers who have suffered stock and crop losses in the recent blizzards and floods.

The question of assistance to farmers who have suffered loss from snow or flood is receiving urgent consideration.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, in some areas, particularly hill farming areas, the losses have been very severe—from 20 to 60per cent. of sheep lost—and that one of my constituents lost 950 out of a flock of 1,200 sheep? Will he deal with that as a matter of urgency?

I can assure my hon. Friend that we have had representations from all districts, including Devon.

Would the Minister also bear in mind the damage done in horticultural areas by flooding, and would he give equal attention to that?