§ Mr. Pounderasked the Secretaty of State for the Home Department what additional funds he agreed to make available to the Government of Northern Ireland on the occasion of his last visit to Northern Ireland; what are the purposes for which these funds are to be used; and what conditions were attached.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsAs stated in the communiqué (Cmnd. 4178) of 10th October, the Northern Ireland Government decided upon the following measures: a scheme for free compensation against damage arising from riot or civil commotion; an increase by 5 per cent. in the rate of investment grants and grants under the Industries Development Acts, at the cost of £3 million in a full year; retention until April, 1971, of the selective employment payment, at the cost of £1.5 million; and a programme of works costing up to £2 million for the relief of unemployment this winter. My right hon. Friend affirmed the intention of the United Kingdom Government to cover the agreed capital requirements of Northern Ireland on a continuing basis. In addition, as recorded in paragraphs 22 and 23 of the communiqué, discussions are being held about the financial implications of the decision to set up a central housing authority, and the cost of measures to stimulate private house building.