HC Deb 31 October 1990 vol 178 cc558-9W
Mr. Kilfedder

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will consider the setting up of a Northern Ireland centre in Brussels to represent Ulster interests to the European Commission and Community.

Mr. Cope

The Northern Ireland interest in EC issues, like the overall national interest, is upheld by the office of the United Kingdom permanent representation in Brussels which includes personnel seconded from the Northern Ireland civil service. I am, therefore, satisfied that, on matters of public policy, the appropriate arrangements are in place. There are many issues—increasingly so, with the approach of the single European market—where there may be a role for independent, non-governmental representation in the EC.

Mr. Kilfedder

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will obtain a copy of the feasibility report produced by the University of Ulster on a Northern Ireland centre in Europe for his departmental library.

Mr. Cope

A copy of this report has recently been received.

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