Agricultural Expansion (Hansard, 19 July 1973)

§ 3. Mr. Charles Morrison
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about agricultural expansion in Northern Ireland.

§ Mr. David Howell
The pattern of Northern Ireland agriculture over many years has been one of steadily rising volume of production from a falling labour force. Production in 1971–72, the latest year for which figures are available, was 16 per cent. higher than five years earlier.

§ Mr. Morrison
My hon. Friend has painted a very attractive picture, but in view of the beef shortage can he say what the rate of expansion in beef production is in Northern Ireland? Can he also say what hope he has for increasing the production of store cattle in Northern Ireland for fattening in England?

§ Mr. Howell
In 1967 the figures for beef cows were 181,000, and in 1972 they were 285,000. Considerable programmes are now in operation in Northern Ireland for encouraging expansion, and these programmes will also encourage expansion in the production of store cattle.

§ Mr. McNamara
The figures given by the Minister have indicated the great extent of rural depopulation which has taken place in Northern Ireland—the increase in productivity against the number of people involved in the industry. Has he not a duty to the House and to the people of Northern Ireland to indicate what steps he and the Government are 687 taking to maintain the population in the rural areas by the provision of further employment opportunities?

§ Mr. Howell
Of course there has been some rural depopulation. This is mainly a reflection of the changes in farm methods, higher productivity and the move into the towns. I recognise the need to maintain a lively rural life in Northern Ireland. In response to that we have a whole range of programmes to encourage employment on farms, agricultural schemes, the new Enterprise Ulster arrangements for employing school leavers in major outdoor schemes, and a variety of other programmes. I do not think there is any lack of attractive possibilities in the rural areas. The main need is to create jobs in some of the areas in the towns to which people from the rural areas have moved.