§ 13. Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why the recommendations in respect of the redesignation of the less-favoured areas in Northern Ireland has not been presented to the European Commission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ViggersAll the very detailed information needed to support a request to the Commission of the European Community for an extension of the less-favoured areas in all the United Kingdom regions has now been assembled. This means that we are in sight of being able to put a request to the Commission, but the request will be subject to detailed examination by the Commission. This might take some time and we cannot be certain of a favourable decision.
§ Mr. McGradyIs the Minister aware that the inordinate delay in processing the extension of the less-favoured areas affects 4,600 farmers in Northern Ireland who cannot avail themselves of grant under the agricultural development programme? Will the hon. Gentleman do his utmost to expedite the claim in Brussels for an extension?
§ Mr. ViggersThe matter is being considered in the context of the United Kingdom as a whole. As the hon. Gentleman points out, 4,600 requests have been made from Northern Ireland alone. The number has also been very substantial throughout the United Kingdom. The hon. Gentleman has been assiduous in pursuing the matter, and I asssure him that the Government are equally assiduous in pursuing it.