asked the Minister for External Affairs if part-time trade reporters are still engaged in Leeds, West Byfleet (Surrey), Sheffield, Burslem, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Cardiff, and Newcastle-on-Tyne, and, if so, if any recent reports have been received from them on the state of the market in relation to the sale of, and the demand for, Saorstát produce in these centres and what was the nature of such reports for each of the above centres.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Reports from British Markets.
asked the Minister for External Affairs if there are still three trade inspectors serving under the High Commissioner in Great Britain, that is, one in the London area, one in the Liverpool area, and one in the Glasgow area, and, if so, if he will state if any reports have been received from them that might help to increase Saorstát trade in each of these centres, and what was the nature of such reports, if any.
I propose to answer questions 1 and 2 together.
Trade inspectors and trade reporters are at present employed at the centres mentioned—except at Burslem and Newcastle-on-Tyne, and reports to the High Commissioner deal with demand and supply, local prices, transport problems, condition of produce on arrival, comparisons with products of other countries, and generally with all matters likely to be helpful to Saorstát exporters. They keep in touch with the principal importers of live stock and other agricultural produce in their districts, and stimulate interest in Saorstát exports by every means possible. The reports of the trade inspectors and the trade reporters to the High Commissioner are embodied in general reports from the latter to the Department of Agriculture. A very full report based on the latest information received from the High Commissioner's office is broadcast from the Dublin Station every Tuesday night. If the Deputy desires, he can have a copy of any of these broadcast reports on application to the Department of Agriculture.