To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will raise at a meeting of the Anglo-Irish Ministerial Conference the decision of the European Court to reject the restriction by the Government of the Republic of Ireland on its residents shopping in Northern Ireland; if he will oppose the alternative proposal of a 36-hour restriction on such shoppers; and if he will make a statement.

We have already conveyed to the Irish through a number of channels our anxiety that the European Court judgment should be given early effect and intend to discuss the matter at the next intergovernmental conference. I have yet to consider the "36-hour rule" proposal with those of my right hon. Friends who have an interest in it.