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Angling

Mr. John D. Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to review the need for rod licences on privately owned waters following the remarks of resident magistrate of Mr. John Fyffe at Down magistrates court on 2 January. [14070]

5 Feb 1997 : Column: 656

Mr. Ancram: None.

Farms (Negative Equity)

Mr. Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many full-time farm businesses had a negative equity in each year since 1985; and if he will make a statement. [12754]

Mr. Ancram [holding answer 28 January 1997]: The results of the annual farm business survey for each of the years 1985 to 1996 show that none of the farms in the survey had a negative equity.

Suckler Cow Premium

Mr. Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of suckler cow premium payments in Northern Ireland for the current year had been paid by 1 January 1997. [13941]

Mr. Ancram [holding answer 3 February 1997]: In Northern Ireland 50.7 per cent. of the 1996 suckler cow applications were cleared for payment by 1 January 1997.

Within the 50.7 per cent, the Department met its citizens charter target of paying, by 31 December, all valid claims received by 30 September. Valid applications received between 31 October and 31 December will be paid within four months of receipt.

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