NORTHERN IRELAND MEAT INDUSTRY

HL Deb 07 December 1976 vol 378 c579WA

Lord O'HAGAN

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To make a statement about the meat industry in Northern Ireland following the introduction of the special scheme on 19th October.

The MINISTER of STATE, NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE (Lord Melchett)

Following the introduction of the current Meat Industry Employment Scheme in Northern Ireland on 20th October 1976, cattle and pig slaughterings in the processing plants recovered to expected levels. Throughput and hence employment in the pig and beef industries have thus been maintained. The current Scheme, which was introduced for an initial period of four weeks, has been extended by a further three months until February 1977.