HC Deb 25 November 1985 vol 87 cc475-6W
Mr. Hume

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give an estimate of the reduction in estimated payment made in the current year by his Department and, where they apply, the consequent savings to the European agriculture guidance and guarantee fund resulting from farmers' inability because of this summer's weather to carry out planned improvement work under each of the following schemes: (a) agriculture and horticulture development scheme, (b) agriculture and horticulture grant scheme, (c) Northern Ireland agriculture development programme and (d) grassland scheme; and if he will detail any other estimated savings being made by his Department or the European agriculture guidance and guarantee fund as a result of the weather.

Dr. Boyson

There is no information available on which to base reliable estimates.