My Lords, the red tape of the protocol has made much business between GB and Northern Ireland uneconomic. EU spokespersons have publicly advised that the way in which to avoid the cost of the checks is to source more goods, particularly food, from the south. Is not the risk that the Northern Ireland economy will gradually drift away from the UK single market and east-west trade will be increasingly replaced by north-south trade? That will have potentially profound political implications. Is it not that which is alarming people? I ask my noble friend to confirm that, if these matters cannot be sorted out through the joint committee, the Government will not rule out unilateral action.

My Lords, the red tape of the protocol has made much business between GB and Northern Ireland uneconomic. EU spokespersons have publicly advised that the way in which to avoid the cost of the checks is to source more goods, particularly food, from the south. Is not the risk that the Northern Ireland economy will gradually drift away from the UK single market and east-west trade will be increasingly replaced by north-south trade? That will have potentially profound political implications. Is it not that which is alarming people? I ask my noble friend to confirm that, if these matters cannot be sorted out through the joint committee, the Government will not rule out unilateral action.

Lords motion to approve. Amendment debated and withdrawn. Original motion agreed to on question.

Lords motion to approve. Amendment debated and withdrawn. Original motion agreed to on question.

Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 6 June 2003, 648 c200WA, how many British citizens in each country in the European Union held for over three months on 31 March 2003 without being given bail were subsequently released without standing trial. [HL 4680]....

Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 6 June 2003, 648 c200WA, how many British citizens in each country in the European Union held for over three months on 31 March 2003 without being given bail were subsequently released without standing trial. [HL 4680]....

To comment on the circumstances of the sending of a letter with reference number IDT ASS./DOCS/1.11.5. by an official in his Department to the Political Editor of The Sunday Times. - Do not comment on letters sent on a "not for publication" basis.

To comment on the circumstances of the sending of a letter with reference number IDT ASS./DOCS/1.11.5. by an official in his Department to the Political Editor of The Sunday Times. - Do not comment on letters sent on a "not for publication" basis.

Statement on the outcome of the latest meeting of European Finance Ministers. - Inc fact that copies of reports of Monetary Committee & Central Bank Governors' Committee placed in Library.

Statement on the outcome of the latest meeting of European Finance Ministers. - Inc fact that copies of reports of Monetary Committee & Central Bank Governors' Committee placed in Library.

When he expects to receive the SIB report which he asked for following the loss of Maxwell pension funds. - Inc fact that report published & copy in Library (DEP 9289).

When he expects to receive the SIB report which he asked for following the loss of Maxwell pension funds. - Inc fact that report published & copy in Library (DEP 9289).

Statement on the report of the Chairman of the Securities and Investments Board following his review of the Financial Services Act 1986. - Inc fact that report published & copy in Library (DEP 9289).

Statement on the report of the Chairman of the Securities and Investments Board following his review of the Financial Services Act 1986. - Inc fact that report published & copy in Library (DEP 9289).

Whether the Crown Estate Commissioners are subject to the environmental provisions of section 11 of the Countryside Act 1968; and whether those provisions extend to their functions below the low water mark.

Whether the Crown Estate Commissioners are subject to the environmental provisions of section 11 of the Countryside Act 1968; and whether those provisions extend to their functions below the low water mark.

If he will use the next appropriate legislative opportunity to give the Crown Estate Commissioners a statutory duty to further the conservation of the terrestial and marine environment.

If he will use the next appropriate legislative opportunity to give the Crown Estate Commissioners a statutory duty to further the conservation of the terrestial and marine environment.

What response he has received from United States Treasury Secretary Bentsen to his representations about unitary taxation.

What response he has received from United States Treasury Secretary Bentsen to his representations about unitary taxation.