§ 2. Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to complete his review of the Northern Ireland Special Assistance Grant; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeartThe review is in progress. I will, of course, make a statement when it has been completed but I cannot yet say when that will be.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that an increase is very necessary to meet the disparity here between prices in Northern Ireland and those in Great Britain? Is he aware that in 1963 the loss to farm incomes from selling at Northern Ireland prices was £5 million?
§ Mr. PeartI am aware of some of the peculiar problems which affect farmers in Northern Ireland. This is why I have said that this matter is being reviewed. When the review has been completed I shall make a statement. I shall look at this problem very sympathetically.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this grant gives the greatest assistance to farmers in Ulster to overcome the disadvantages that arise from distance from markets? Will he give favourable consideration to increasing the grant?
§ Mr. PeartAs I have said, I am aware of the problems, and indeed I was in Ulster recently. I will look at the matter carefully and sympathetically and when the review is completed I will inform the House and the hon. Member.
§ Captain OrrCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us anything about the timing? Will the review take long now?
§ Mr. PeartI hope that it will not take long. There are many people to consult, including obviously our Northern Ireland friends. I am anxious to speed the matter up, as I have said. I shall bear all the factors in mind. I cannot go beyond that now.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this was raised at the dinner-table discussion with the Prime Minister?
§ Mr. PeartThe hon. Member must have read the communiqué issued, which was jointly agreed and which covered the points raised. I could not go beyond that.