An embarrassing row is developing within Northern Ireland's newly-formed Stormont executive over an apparent lack of consultation between ministers.

Agriculture minister Brid Rodgers said she had no prior detailed knowledge of First Minister David Trimble's request to the UK prime minister to secure government help for Northern Ireland's cash-strapped farmers.

Mr Trimble asked Tony Blair on Thursday for financial help to relieve farmers' bank debts, estimated at £490m.

He said the loan "could reduce the debt burden sufficiently to give a breathing space".

The plan hinges on government backing but the association representing local banks in Northern Ireland says it wants more details.

Minister to be questioned

The agriculture minister will be questioned about the proposal when she meets the assembly's agriculture and rural development committee on Friday.

But when asked, on BBC Radio Ulster, if she knew that Mr Trimble was going to present his plan to the prime minister, she replied: "No, indeed I didn't. It was news to me."

However, Mrs Rodgers added: "I would welcome any idea or initiative which can help with the present predicament in which the farming community finds itself."

The minister said that although she will look further into the suggestion, but believes it may be prevented by European law.

"Without knowing the details and what is behind this, on the face of it, it does appear not to be viable.

"Because of the problem with state aid to industry within the European regulations we're not allowed to do it," she said.

Under EU regulations, the government cannot give aid to UK farmers which gives them an unfair advantage over their European counterparts.

Mrs Rodgers said she appreciated any attempts to help the industry and was herself, eager to help it, but did not want to raise any false hopes.

UUP agriculture spokesman and deputy chairman of the assembly agriculture committee George Savage, said he did not think the proposal unrealistic.

Among those meeting Mrs Rodgers is the chairman of the agriculture committee and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, the Reverend Ian Paisley. He is also an MEP and has campaigned on behalf of farmers in the past.

The plight of Northern Ireland farmers was highlighted recently with a marketing campaign aimed at encouraging shoppers to buy locally produced goods.

Farmers also linked up with supermarket chains in an attempt to save an industry which the Ulster Farmers' Union warned was "on its knees".

Earlier this week the assembly announced an extra £6.7m for the department of agriculture after money was re-directed out of savings made by other departments.