§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on the extension of less favoured areas in Northern Ireland.
§ Mrs. FennerI have been asked to reply.
In September and October the Council of Ministers considered a proposal from the European Commission to extend the existing less favoured areas in all four countries of the United Kingdom. No agreement was reached but we have sought its inclusion on the agenda for the next Council on 14–15 November and shall again press for agreement.