§ 4. Mr. O'Halloranasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate has been made of the effect on agriculture in the event of entry to the European Economic Community; and what consultations he has had with the Irish Republic regarding a common policy for agriculture.
§ Mr. David HowellAn assessment of the effect on agriculture in Northern Ireland of United Kingdom entry into the European Economic Community was made in a White Paper (Cmd. 563) entitled" Northern Ireland and the European Communities" which was presented to Parliament at Stormont in November, 1971.
My right hon. Friend has had no consultations with the Irish Republic on a common policy for agriculture, but discussions are taking place between officials of the Ministry of Agriculture of Northern Ireland, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Irish Republic on matters of common interest.
§ Mr. O'HalloranI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for that detailed reply. Will he give an assurance that these relations with Dublin will continue all the time?
§ Mr. HowellI certainly give the assurance that these talks on matters of common interest will continue.