§ 11. Mr. Molyneauxasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement about Northern Ireland's representation at official level in Brussels; and whether he is satisfied that such representation is adequate to represent Northern Ireland's interests.
§ Mr. OrmeNorthern Ireland has no separate representation in Brussels. It is the responsibility of Her Majesty's Government to ensure that Northern Ireland's interests are adequately represented. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the present arrangements do this.
§ Mr. MolyneauxDoes not the Minister agree that pending the fundamental renegotiation of the treaty and possible 1432 withdrawal from the EEC it is vital that Northern Ireland should have weightier representation within the context of United Kingdom representation, particularly with regard to agriculture and regional aid?
§ Mr. OrmeThe lion. Gentleman will acknowledge that Northern Ireland had some benefit from what my right lion. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries achieved recently. I am sure that the strong feelings on this issue in Northern Ireland will be represented during the renegotiations.