HC Deb 12 March 1985 vol 75 cc124-5W
Sir John Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action has been taken in connection with the development of horse breeding and racing in Northern Ireland since the publication in May 1984 of the Department of Agriculture's consultation paper on the subject.

Dr. Boyson

Decisions on the options outlined in the consultation paper have been deferred pending completion of an economic study to provide more comprehensive data on the value of the equine industry. This study, which is being carried out by the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland in conjunction with the Queen's University of Belfast, is partly financed by the industry and by the Industrial Development Board; it is expected to take at least a year to complete.

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