HC Deb 15 November 1973 vol 864 cc657-8
16. Mr. Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in the hill cow scheme in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Peter Mills

In the five years ended 1972 the number of claims paid under the Hill Cattle (Northern Ireland) Scheme has risen by 1,300. In this period there has been an increase of 41,000 in the number of cows eligible for subsidy. The scheme plays an important part in encouraging farmers in Northern Ireland to utilise hill land and to produce stores for beef production.

Mr. Winterton

I thank my hon. Friend for that excellent reply. Will he give serious consideration to the possibility of extending the scheme to the marginal areas which are now outside its scope?

Mr. Mills

I am not able to comment on that now, save to say that a deputation has been to see me about this very matter and that we are considering it.