Northern Ireland (Appropriation)

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 6:54 pm on 7 March 1994.

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Photo of Rt Hon David Trimble Rt Hon David Trimble , Upper Bann 6:54, 7 March 1994

The hon. Gentleman is making a very valuable point about property subject to agricultural occupancy conditions. I suggest that we do not require legislation. We simply require a change in departmental policy so that instead of having a condition relating to a person whose income is wholly or mainly derived from agriculture, the condition may relate to a person who is substantially or significantly engaged in agriculture. There could be a change of policy and, where necessary, there may simply be an application to vary the existing conditions. There is no need, therefore, for legislation. The problem could be resolved by the Department, if it so wished