§ 17. Mr. William Rossasked the Secretary of State of Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the possibility of the extension of the less favoured areas in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerAs my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food informed the House on 13 December 1982, the case for the extension of the less favoured areas in the United Kingdom has now been formally submitted to the European Commission.
§ Mr. RossHas the Minister studied the line that was drawn to define the new less favoured areas in Northern Ireland? Does not that line expose the nonsense of the whole system? Is he aware that many areas of land that can be clearly classified as less favoured are excluded?
§ Mr. ButlerThe line which, if it takes effect, will bring 75 per cent. or so of Norther Ireland within the less favoured areas was drawn up according to the criteria laid down in the directive. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman is aware of those critria. They are not as straightforward as some people believe.