§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the new abattoir planned for Newtownards; and what financial assistance is available directly or indirectly to meet the increase in the estimated cost of the building.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe Ards District Council has indicated that it hopes to go to tender for the abattoir early in 1976. 31W The required technical approval of the plans has already been given by the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture. When the actual cost is known it will be for the council to decide if it wishes to continue with the project. If it were decided to do so, approval to raise the necessary loan would have to be sought from the Northern Ireland Departments of Agriculture and Housing, Local Government and Planning.
There is no way in which central Government can reduce the initial capital cost of the project. However, the residual charge falling on the rate fund would attract general grant at the rate of 18 per cent. in the case of Ards District Council.