Written question asked by Bill O'Brien (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 December 1998. It was answered by Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 December 1998 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, What support the Government is giving to farmers in Northern Ireland in the current financial year. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Bill O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what support the Government are giving to farmers in Northern Ireland in the current financial year. [61212] Mr. Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what support the Government are giving to farmers in Northern Ireland. [61224] Mr. Paul Murphy: The Government announced on 16 November 1998 a special aid package for United Kingdom farmers amounting to about £120 million. This package is likely to be worth some £19 million to Northern Ireland farmers. A total of just over £1 million was paid earlier under a one-off Pig Welfare Slaughter Scheme and to suckler cow producers whose herds were badly affected by BSE.

Secondary information