§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Northern Ireland farms have been classified as less favoured areas since the extension of the boundaries was agreed in 1983.
§ Mr. ViggersThe less favoured areas were last extended in Northern Ireland in 1984. Just over 13,000 farms in whole or in part were included in the area designated.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the tribunal established to consider appeals from farmers who felt that their land ought to have been included within the revised boundary after the extension of the Northern Ireland less favoured areas in 1983 completed its task; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ViggersThe independent panel completed its work in August 1987. Since then, it has been necessary to extract and analyse detailed statistical data in order to apply the exacting economic and demographic tests, specified in EC legislation, before land may be designated less favoured.