§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the present situation with regard to market gardening; how many persons are employed; what is the acreage; what is the value of the output; how far the local market is supplied; and what are the prospects for further expansion, including exports to Great Britain and the Common Market.
§ Mr. DunnThe market gardening sector of Northern Ireland's agricultural industry covers a total production area of about 4,500 hectares, providing direct employment for approximately 2,000 people, and the value of its output is about £13 million annually. Broadly speaking, the local market is adequately supplied with home-grown fresh vegetables when these are in season, although tomatoes are imported in significant quantities. Apart from apples, mushrooms, and nursery stock which are exported in considerable quantity, prospects for expanding exports depend on whether the price obtained offsets the additional transport and storage costs. This price is not normally great enough to justify exporting to Great Britain or the EEC.