§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether, in view of the prospect of oil exploration commencing in the Rathlin area, he will submit an application to the EEC Com- 530W mission for aid for the development of Ballycastle and Rathlin harbours.
§ Mr. Giles Shaw[pusuant to his reply, 30 October 1980, c. 366]: It is not possible to say at this stage whether the petroleum licence which has been issued for exploration in the Rathlin/Ballycastle area will involve more than seismic surveys which will indicate whether, for example, drilling is justified. The Government have no plans at present to develop Ballycastle harbour. Aid for a proposed inner harbour development at Rathlin has been sought from the European regional development fund.