§ 14. Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the total cost of agricultural support in Northern Ireland in the latest available year.
§ Mr. Peter MillsThe total cost of agricultural support in Northern Ireland in the form of United Kingdom grants and subsidies in 1972–73 was £34,940,000. This figure does not include the cost of grants carried on Northern Ireland Votes to cover schemes to help to counter the effects of remoteness and to create and maintain employment.
§ Mr. FarrI thank my hon. Friend for that information. Can he give the House 657 some indication of the future of these special schemes to promote agricultural production in Northern Ireland which were launched about a year ago? Is it intended to keep up the schemes or to wind them up?
§ Mr. MillsThe aid scheme to poultry farmers has ended. The other schemes will continue because we believe that they help to provide full employment in Northern Ireland, which is so important now.