The Duke of Abercornasked Her Majesty's Government:
What benefits both in additional revenue and employment could be generated through increased processing and more sophisticated marketing of Northern Ireland food products.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Elton)It is not possible to quantify any such benefits that might arise. Results would depend on the economic viability of such operations. Although encouragement and help, through grant aid and specialist advice, are given by the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture for Northern Ireland respectively, decisions on new ventures must rest with private operators.