§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Prime Minister (1) whether the joint studies to be undertaken between the British and Republic of Ireland Governments will include any of the 106W following: (a) the Anglo-Eire common travel area, (b) the Anglo-Eire free trade agreement, (c) the position of the Customs and Excise, (d) the problems of illegal immigrants, (e) cross-border traffic in illegal drugs, (f) the equivalency of professional qualifications, (g) the effect of claims on the national insurance fund by Republic of Ireland workers who have returned to the Republic, (h) questions relating to dual nationality, (i) the production of passports when travelling between the two countries, (j) taxation, or (k) the position of the agriculture industry both in Ulster and in the Republic of Ireland under the EEC common agricultural policy, with special reference to the green pound;
(2) whether the privileged position accorded to Republic of Ireland nationals residing in the United Kingdom with regard to the right to vote in British general and other elections is to be examined by officials taking part in the joint British-Republic of Ireland studies.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Prime Minister how many officials are involved in the joint studies being carried out in conjunction with the Government of the Republic of Ireland; and from which Departments they are drawn.
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing further to add to the reply I gave on 2 February to the hon. Member for Belfast, East (Mr. Robinson).