asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether the Government is giving any attention to negotiating trade treaties with other countries with a view to promoting, developing and safeguarding Free State export industries; and, if so, if he will state the countries with which he is at present in negotiation and the particular industries which he hopes may be assisted if a treaty is negotiated with each of these countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Treaties.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I do not think the public interest would be served by giving a detailed reply to the second part.
Is the Minister not in a position to let persons engaged in industry here know something of what he hopes to do for them in the way of finding an export market, and does he not think it would be desirable that persons in industry here to-day should understand that there was some fairly definite hope for them, in this respect, as some of these are in a very struggling position at present?
Persons engaged in industry have expressed their views on these matters through their own organisation.
Can the Minister say when he hopes to be able to give the House some information as to what he proposes in this respect?
No.