§ Mr. HardyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade when the hon. Member for Wentworth will receive an answer to the question of 30 November, about the support of greyhound breeding in Ireland by the EC. [13126]
§ Mr. Oppenheim[pursuant to his reply, 7 February 1996, c. 232]: The current objective 1 programme of EC structural funds grants for the Republic of Ireland, which covers the period 1994 to 1999, includes three relevant measures: a quality breeding scheme, including purchase of breeding greyhounds from abroad; grant towards the cost of marketing greyhounds; and grant towards breeding premises for various animals including greyhounds. Intended totals of grant for the three schemes are IR£300,000, IR£353,000 and 1R£7.5 million respectively. The first two schemes have not yet begun. Under the third scheme, IR£38,000 has so far been paid in respect of premises for greyhounds.
I understand that no information is available about the number of greyhounds to be bred or, therefore, the cost per animal.
I shall be glad to consider the matter further if the hon. Gentleman wishes to write to me.