§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what change there will be to the block vote to Northern Ireland as a result of the privatisation of Harland and Wolff and Shorts.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThese privatisations do not affect the overall level of resources allocated to the Northern Ireland block, which is adjusted mainly through the operation of the comparability arrangements. Some payments are still to be made to the companies under the privatisation agreements but these will taper off over time.