§ Mr. KilfedderTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in how many cases in 1988 where application for planning approval was made for an additional farm dwelling evidence was sought from the Department of Agriculture as to the viability of a farm unit and the need for a farm labourer's dwelling.
§ Mr. NeedhamIt is the policy of the Department of Environment for Northern Ireland to consult the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland on applications for planning permission for farm dwellings in areas where such permission is granted only when a need to live in the countryside can be demonstrated. Consultations with that Department are carried out occasionally on applications affecting sites in other areas. Information on the number of cases is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. KilfedderTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many planning approvals have been given for the building of dwellings for farm labourers in each of the last 10 years; what is the average size of such dwellings and the number of rooms provided; and how many are currently occupied by farm labourers.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.