§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what research he has commissioned into the benefits of closer trading and other links between Northern Ireland and the Republic; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsNone. Other bodies have, however, examined the potential benefits of increased cross-border trade and, while their estimates differ considerably, all agree that more trade is possible and can benefit both parts of Ireland. The two Governments are co-operating to promote trade in a number of ways, and are jointly organising a conference on cross-border trade in Dublin on 15 December.