HC Deb 29 March 1990 vol 170 cc662-3
9. Mr. Tharnham

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress of the European Court case brought by the Government following restrictions made by the Irish Government on the free movement of shoppers from that country.

Mr. Cope

The case against the Government of the Republic of Ireland was brought by the Europe= Commission, and was heard by the European Court of Justice on 21 February when the United Kingdom Government was represented by Treasury counsel who advanced our view that the restrictions were contrary to European law and damaging to the economy of Northern Ireland. The Advocate-General of the court delivered his opinion on 21 March, but a date has not yet been fixed for the court's judgment.

Mr. Tharnham

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is disgraceful that the Irish Government are persisting with this absurd restriction,, which will have to go? Will not that be much to the benefit not only of traders, but of Irish consumers?

Mr. Cope

Yes. We have made it clear, not only through the courts, which I have just mentioned, but to Irish Ministers, through the Anglo-Irish Conference and in other ways, that we completely oppose the 48-hour rule. It has been in force for too long; the sooner it goes, the better.

Mr. Foulkes

Is the Minister aware that the Sealink and rail services from Northern Ireland to south-west Scotland are used by many shoppers who travel between those two parts of the United Kingdom? Is he further aware that British Rail is planning to axe the sleeper service from Stranraer to Euston? What representations has the right hon. Gentleman or his right hon. and hon. Friends made to British Rail about this? If they have not made any such representations, will the right hon. Gentleman assure me that he will make representations to British Rail to stop the axing of that vital service?

Mr. Cope

It must be a matter for British Rail. Not many people use that service. In any case, it does not arise out of this question, which is about travellers from the Republic of Ireland.