§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will announce the date when work on a water supply will commence on Rathlin Island.
§ Mr. CarterI shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will now announce the date when the repair work will be commenced to Rathlin harbour.
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§ Mr. ConcannonI understand from the Moyle District Council, which is responsible for the upkeep of the harbour on Rathlin Island, that it is hoped that the construction of protection works on the Manor House Pier will commence in May or June of next year.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will give an assurance to the Rathlin islanders that during the winter when the island is cut off supplies will be sent to them by air;
(2) in view of the fact that Rathlin Island was cut off for almost a week during recent gales, why supplies were not sent to the island by helicopter.
§ Mr. MasonI accept that it is the responsibility of the Government to ensure that the population in all parts of Northern Ireland has access to essential supplies. I am not aware of any recent request for Government assistance in maintaining supplies to Rathlin Island.