§ 11. Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to announce a decision on the extension of the less-favoured areas.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is at present considering with his colleagues the case for extending the less-favoured areas throughout the United Kingdom, which might be submitted to the European Commission in the near future, and the implications for so doing.
§ Mr. RossHas it not taken a very long time to reach this stage? When can we expect the less-favoured areas to be extended, or is it that the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food cannot prise the money out of the Treasury to pay for the necessary extension?
§ Mr. ButlerI agree that it is taking a long time. We in Northern Ireland have had to wait for the rest of the United Kingdom to come to some arrangement. However, it is not a foregone conclusion that any extension will be accepted by the Commission, so it is essential that the best case should be prepared. It is taking longer than we expected.