HC Deb 06 March 1984 vol 55 c576W
Mr. James Nicholson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many hectares of land are in the possession of the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland, and are actively farmed for training purposes;

(2) how many hectares of land in the possession of the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland are used for experimental work;

(3) how many hectares of land in the possession of the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland are planted out in forests.

Mr. Butler

[pursuant to his reply, 27 February 1984, c. 84]: In 1982–83, 484 hectares were actively fanned for teaching purposes; 1,394 hectares, including 1,000 hectares of hill land, were used for experimental work; and 55,839 hectares were planted with trees.

Mr. James Nicholson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of finance allocated to agriculture training colleges in Northern Ireland went towards meeting staff wages.

Mr. Butler

[pursuant to his reply, 27 February 1984, c. 84]: In 1982–83, 53.9 per cent. of finance allocated to agricultural colleges in Northern Ireland went towards salaries and wages.

Mr. James Nicholson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of finance allocated to agriculture training colleges in Northern Ireland went towards research and development in the last financial year.

Mr. Butler

[pursuant to his reply, 27 February 1984, c. 84]: In 1982–83, 19.5 per cent.