Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what sums have been made available from EEC sources to beekeepers in Northern Ireland in the current and past two years; to whom they were given; for what purposes; if he is satisfied that all beekeepers in Northern Ireland had an equal benefit or an equal chance of receiving benefit from these moneys; and what steps he took to so satisfy himself.
§ Mr. Pendry, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 19 March 1979; Vol. 964, c. 500], gave the following information:
The sum made available from EEC sources in the current and past two years was an amount of £615 paid to the Ulster Bee-Keepers' Association which has for many years been recognised as the body representing Northern Ireland beekeepers.
The money had to be spent on suitable schemes to improve the production and marketing of honey, or on teaching and training or given direct to individual members.
The Ulster Bee-Keepers' Association used the money to purchase education aids to assist the improvement of techniques of beekeeping throughout Northern Ireland by lectures, exhibits and demonstrations.
I am satisfied that the conditions attached to the aid are being fulfilled, that Northern Ireland beekeeping as a whole is benefiting, and that all beekeepers have the opportunity of benefiting from these moneys.