§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures his Department takes to encourage businesses to trade with Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. [87626]
§ Mr. WilsonThe services of British Trade International are available for exporters to the Republic of Ireland as they are for exporters to other West European countries. Activities include the Export Explorer scheme to encourage first-time exporters to visit the Republic; an Export Promoter to inform companies of the opportunities in the market and encourage them to trade with the Republic; and sectoral activities such as the provision of information stands at trade fairs in Ireland. Northern Ireland companies are eligible to use these services.
British companies trade with Northern Ireland as they would with other parts of the United Kingdom.