HC Deb 15 June 1978 vol 951 cc1155-6
1. Mr. Dunlop

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he will take to ensure that plans for a new bacon factory go ahead.

The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. J. D. Concannon)

Early last year the Department of Commerce offered the Unipork group substantial assistance towards the construction and equipment costs of a new bacon factory which the group proposed to build in Cookstown to replace existing capacity. In addition, assistance was offered by the European Agricultural Guarantee and Guidance Fund. I understand that Unipork has not yet taken a final decision to go ahead with the project, and my officials are meeting the company today to review the current position. The Government are well aware of the importance of the pig processing industry in the Province and the meat industry employment scheme is evidence of our determination to safeguard employment in this sector.

Mr. Dunlop

If Unipork proves to be viable in the near future and turns last year's loss into a profit, will the Government consider providing a little additional financial assistance to build this factory in order to safeguard jobs in the Cookstown area and to meet the requirements of EEC regulations on the processing of pork?

Mr. Concannon

Since this is the first Question after what happened last night I give the hon. Member 10 out of 10 for his cheek. Asking for an increase in public expenditure in the first Question after the vote that we had in the House is something of a cheek. We shall be offering assistance to Northern Ireland firms in the same quantities as we have in the past, in spite of the efforts of some hon. Members.

Mr. Joseph Dean

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the behaviour of the hon. Member for Mid-Ulster (Mr. Dunlop) and his colleagues ranks almost as hypocrisy of the worst kind? Continually to stand in the House and ask for increases in public expenditure in that Province, which is already doing much better than some other—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member must ask a question of the Minister on the things for which he is responsible. He is not responsible for the other side of the House.

Mr. Dean

Does the Minister not think that their behaviour as pet poodles of the Conservative Party which is attempting to wreck our economic policy—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Question Time will be ruined if hon. Members do not ask questions on departmental responsibilities.

Mr. Concannon

I am sure that those to whom my hon. Friend's question was directed will have taken note of it.

Mr. Powell

Is the Minister of State aware that both inside the Northern Ireland Vote and generally it is perfectly possible to increase one item of expenditure and to reduce another?

Mr. Concannon

I am fully aware of that. I am also fully aware of the generous contribution that is made by the Treasury to Northern Ireland. Sometimes I and some of my colleagues, who are showing a little exasperation, wonder what we have to do.