§ Mr. Powellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a detailed statement of the equivalent circumstances in Great Britain on the basis of which the Northern Ireland regional rate for 1976–77 has been struck, including (a) the estimated ratio of average domestic rate to average family income in 1976–77 in the comparable areas and in Northern Ireland, respectively, and (b) the actual average family income in the comparable areas and in Northern Ireland, respectively, when last estimated.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI shall reply to the right hon. Member as soon as possible.
246Wconsumption within Northern Ireland. In the event of intervention support buying of beef or pigmeat in Northern Ireland on a scale beyond the capacity of these stores, the Intervention Board can arrange for storage outside Northern Ireland. These arrangements have already been utilised and found to operate satisfactorily. I have no reason to doubt our ability to meet the demands that may arise in 1976.