§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in view of the completion of the Northern Ireland survey in relation to the possible extension of the area covered by the EEC less favoured areas directive, if he will ensure that application is made to the EEC for the extension so that further areas of Northern Ireland which are suitable only for the production of cattle and sheep might be included.
§ Mr. Giles Shaw[pusuant to his reply, 30 October 1980, c. 366]: The survey of marginal land being carried out throughout the United Kingdom is being undertaken without commitment that the less favoured areas would be extended or, if they were, that extra public funds would be available. No application can be made to the EEC until the survey for the whole of the United Kingdom is completed; this is not expected to be until 1981.