§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) whether he proposes to hold talks with the Minister for Industry and Commerce of the Republic of Eire about the effect on the footwear industry of the Anglo-Eire Free Trade Agreement; and if he will give an assurance that the interests of the footwear industry of Northern Ireland will be properly safeguarded;
(2) whether he proposes to enter into consultations with the Government of the Republic of Eire about the operations of the Anglo-Eire Free Trade Agreement; and whether he will consider inviting the Northern Ireland Minister of Commerce to attend in order to protect the interests of Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. NoblePreliminary exchanges of an exploratory character are now taking place between officials of the two parties to the agreement under which joint consideration must be given as to whether its operation is causing difficulties in any particular sectors of industry in the Republic of a kind which would call for special action. It is too soon to identify particular industries and therefore to know whether the interests of Northern Ireland would be affected but I should naturally keep closely in touch with the Northern Ireland Government and an official of the Northern Ireland274W Government is associated with the present talks.