asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has made to the Government of the Republic of Ireland about the recently imposed ban on the purchases of duty-free goods in Northern Ireland by residents of the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office to a similar question on 30 April at column 194. The Irish Government are aware of our concern. We are keeping a careful watch on the effect of the new measures in Northern Ireland.