§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps Her Majesty's Government intend to take in Northern Ireland to stimulate new developments in the marketing of agricultural produce.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerThe Department of Agriculture, Northern Ireland, will shortly announce details of a scheme to assist people involved in marketing to develop their ideas for better marketing of agricultural and horticultural produce including product development. The aid will be in the form of travel awards to selected individuals.
Expenditure by the Department of Agriculture is estimated at £50,000 in 1981–82. Parliamentary approval to this new service will be sought in a Supplementary 83W Estimate. Pending that approval the necessary expenditure will be met by repayable advance from the Northern Ireland Civil Contingencies Fund.