HC Deb 08 March 1984 vol 55 cc675-6W
Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent progress has been made in discussions with the Government of the Republic of Ireland concerning (a) animal health, (b) problems associated with the smuggling of agricultural produce, (c) the disposal of toxic waste and (d) water pollution in rivers and lakes in border areas; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Prior

Northern Ireland Ministers and officials and their counterparts in the Republic of Ireland meet regularly to discuss topics of mutual interest.

In relation to the specific topics raised by the hon.Member, the following is the current position: (a) There are regular meetings between officials of the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland and their counterparts from the Republic of Ireland on all aspects of animal health matters affecting Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. These meetings prove extremely valuable to the maintenance of the high animal and poultry health status on both sides of the border.

*Classes in schools January 1983
Primary schools
Class sizes: 20 or less 21–25 26–30 31–35 36–40 41–45 45–50 Total
Controlled—No of classes 610 1,153 1,268 586 64 3 0 3,674
—per cent, of classes 16.6 31.4 34.2 15.9 1.7 0.1 0
Voluntary—No of classes 5 7 4 0 0 0 0 16
—per cent, of classes 31.2 43.8 25.0 0 0 0 0
Volume maintained—No of classes 470 872 1,178 715 106 8 1 3,350
—per cent, of classes 14.0 26.0 35.2 21.3 3.2 0.2 —

(b) Measures to control the smuggling of agricultural produce are regularly reviewed by the authorities in the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland. There is some evidence that the level of smuggling has been reduced.

(c) A recent meeting between officials should aid the exchange of information about the trans-border movement of hazardous waste. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment also had a useful exchange of views involving this subject, with the Tanaiste, the Minister for Energy of the Republic of Ireland, Mr. Spring, on 17 February.

(d) Arrangements between the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland and the Department for the Environment of the Republic of Ireland for the exchange of basic data will assist in the monitoring of water quality in lakes and rivers in border areas.