§ Mr. Nicholsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many registered milk producers in Northern Ireland currently have development plans to extend their enterprise.
§ Mr. Chris PattenStatistical records of approved developmet plans do not readily provide an analysis of the various enterprises on which the plans are based. However, there are currently some 3,500 extant plans of which it is estimated that approximately 60 per cent. include dairy related investments. The promoters of such plans are likely to be registered milk producers although they are not required to identify themselves as such in their application for admission to the development scheme.
§ Mr. Nicholsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many registered milk producers in Nothern Ireland have completed their five-year development plans to improve their farms.
§ Mr. Chris PattenSince the inception of the farm and horticulture development scheme in 1974, which was replaced by the agriculture and horticulture development scheme in 1980, 1,422 plans which can operate for a period of one to six years have been completed. Registered milk producers are not separately identified on entry to the230W scheme and statistical records do not provide an analysis of the enterprise on which plans are based. However, it is estimated that approximately 60 per cent—about 850—of the all approved plans are likely to include dairy related investments.
§ Mr. Nicholsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many registered milk producers applied for grant aid in the past 12 months to expand their herd size under the five-year development programme.
§ Mr. Chris PattenInformation specifically about plans by registered milk producers is not readily available. However, in the 12 months ended 31 May 1984, 215 plans, which included dairy related investment, were approved.