asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make proposals designed to liberalise the licensing laws in Northern Ireland.

There are no plans to do so at present.

Does my hon. Friend recognise that the main tourist flow in Ireland is from North to South because of the greater liberality of licensing laws in the South? Would it not be advantageous if the flow were both ways?

The comparison between the licensing laws of different parts of Ireland shows that there is a certain divergence on Sundays. Obviously this matter can be considered, but there are no plans at present for changing the law.

Does my hon. Friend not agree that sobriety is a high priority in Ulster and that any relaxation of the licensing laws is likely to result in further inflammation of feeling and passion?

I am glad to take a lesson in sobriety from my hon. Friend.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the great number of illegal drinking dens in Northern Ireland? What action does he intend to take to close down these shebeens, where alcohol is sold which has been taken from hijacked lorries? Does he not agree that the recent liberalisation of licensing laws does not seem to require further extension, especially in view of the high consumption of alcohol in the Province and the number of road accidents directly attributable to drink?

That is an important point. Unquestionably the extensive destruction of Catholic pubs by Protestants and Protestant pubs by Catholics has led to an extension of illegal drinking. This is a subject of much concern to the chief constable and my right hon. Friend. But I cannot make a further announcement about it this afternoon.