Mr. Chichester-Clarkeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now make a statement regarding the 1960 potato deficiency payments to farmers in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. John MackieAs my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department told the House on 22nd February new proposals for the disposal of the Northern Ireland share in the 1960 potato deficiency payment have been agreed and the Ministry of Agriculture, Northern Ireland, is being authorised to re-open discussions with the Ulster Farmers' Union with a view to obtaining their agreement to these proposals. It would not be right to describe the proposals in detail at present but we are intent on solving this outstanding problem on a realistic basis allowing for the distribution to the growers of a substantial part of the money.