Northern Ireland (Agricultural Remoteness Grant)

HC Deb 12 January 1971 vol 809 cc31-2W

Mr. Molyneaux

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the continuance of the Agricultural Remoteness Grant to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sharples

The Government have decided that the grant should be continued for a further period beyond 31st March, 1971, subject to Parliamentary approval, but on this occasion for only three years, since major changes in the U.K. system of support for agriculture could affect the relative position of Northern Ireland agriculture in the next few years. It is proposed that the basic rate of grant should remain unchanged at £1¾ million a year, but that the actual rate of grant should be £1.9 million a year since there will be an unspent balance of £450,000 at the end of the current period.