NEWS

Banks are called to account
By Steven Moore

MLAs are to interrupt their summer holidays to grill bank officials on the cash crisis within farming.

Last Tuesday's committee meeting had been expected to be the last of the summer, with MLAs not intending to reconvene until September.

However, Ulster Unionist George Savage said that was too long to wait for farmers who found themselves in a desperate financial plight.

He said he had been contacted by a number of people who were coming under "severe pressure" from their banks.

Mr Savage said the current difficulties within the industry meant that many were struggling financially.

He said the banks had made presentations to other committees at Stormont but had not appeared before the Agriculture Committee and should be asked to make a presentation.

"I feel very guilty going away on a recess and leaving these farmers in such a situation," he told colleagues.

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June 25th 2009
June 25th 2009