§ 9. Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will extend the less favoured areas in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe Northern Ireland part of the United Kingdom marginal land survey is complete, but it would be inappropriate to make an approach to the European Community for an extension of the less favoured areas for Northern Ireland alone.
§ Mr. RossSince a very large part of the aid that is coming from the EEC—I understand that it amounts to £40 million over 10 years—is to be paid to the less favoured areas in Northern Ireland, how on earth does the hon. Gentleman expect to spend that sum in the present area? Since the survey to which he referred has been completed, I understand, not only in Northern Ireland but in Wales, cannot an approach now be made?
§ Mr. ShawIt is my information that the surveys which are being undertaken in other parts of the United Kingdom will not be completed before 1981. It will, therefore, not be possible to make a unified approach to the Community before that survey is complete.
On the first part of the question, the marginal land assistance to which the hon. Gentleman referred is one of the measures involved, but the question is related primarily to the size of the area which claims the grant.
§ Rev. Ian PaisleyIs it not possible for the Minister to make an application to the EEC for the region of Northern Ireland?
Mr. J. Enoch PowellIs it the firm intention of Her Majesty's Government, when the survey for the United Kingdom is complete, to make such an application?
§ Mr. ShawThe right hon. Gentleman will be aware that such a decision would be one for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. He was in the Province on Tuesday this week. I think that he was clearly impressed by what he saw and by the importance of marginal land and the EEC grants towards those who work thereon.
§ Mr. PendryIs the Under-Secretary aware that we are not comparing like with like? The situation in England is not the same as that in Northern Ireland. In the Province the beef and allied industries are very depressed. We press from the Opposition Benches that the Minister reconsiders his earlier answer and urges the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to act unilaterally for Northern Ireland if necessary.
§ Mr. ShawI take the hon. Gentleman's point. I hope that he is aware that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food is negotiating with EEC Council Ministers for a structure proposal for Northern Ireland. That indicates the commitment that he and I attach to ensuring that Northern Ireland agriculture gains benefit from our EEC membership.