NIGEL Evans has accused ministers of failing to help bail out troubled East Lancashire farming and other rural businesses hit by foot and mouth.

This week he twice pleaded in the Commons for the government to introduce interest free loans to help small firms in trouble in rural areas.

But both Culture Secretary Chris Smith and Environment Minister Bob Ainsworth ducked the question.

The Ribble Valley Tory MP highlighted three firms in trouble because of the outbreak -- Kath Wright's Samlesbury livestock farm; the River Bank Tearooms in Slaidburn; and the Dunsop Trout Farm in Dunsop Bridge.

He raised with both ministers a letter from North West Tourist Board chief Anthony Goldstone which said that £8 million worth of revenue and 200 jobs a week were at risk.

Mr Goldstone's letter said: "The leadership and personal support of the Prime Minister and other ministers in reassuring the tourism industry and encouraging the consumer has been big on words but short on practical substance."

He called for a range of support measures including interest free loans for companies in trouble -- a demand already made by the Tories and farmers leaders.

Mr Evans will be meeting with farmers at Clitheroe Conservative Association today to discuss the problems they face and the financial assistance that they need.