§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northen Ireland, in view of the larger percentage of unemployed at Carrickfergus compared with Antrim, why he has refused to give a similar 50 per cent. aid grant to Carrickfergus to that which he has given to Antrim.
§ Mr. Adam Butler[pursuant to his reply, 30 July 1981]: In considering the appropriate rate of selective assistance capital grant for an area, the Government take into account not only the existing level of unemployment in the area but also the impact of known impending closures or contractions of firms. Antrim's position is likely soon to become much worse and the Government believe that in all the circumstances it is right to restore the 5 per cent. differential in the grant rates between the two towns which had existed prior to January 1981 before they had both felt the full effects of the recent contraction of the man-made fibres sector.