asked the Taoiseach if he will state whether negotiations regarding the continuance or extension of the trade pact have taken place or are now in progress with representatives of the British Government; whether the British Government have intimated that they are prepared, on conditions, to repeal the measures imposing special duties on produce of Irish origin, and, if so, what these conditions are; further, if he is in a position to say that before any arrangement, having for its object the admission into this country free of duty of British manufactured goods, is concluded, the Dáil will be consulted in regard to the proposal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Pact with British Government.
(1) Negotiations for the continuance of the Trade Pact are now taking place. No intimation of the kind referred to has been received from the British Government.
(2) With regard to the last part of the Deputy's question, in the event of any arrangement being made having for its object the admission into this country, free of duty, of British manufactured goods, it would be necessary for the Government to take cognisance of the provisions of Section 5 of Article 29 of the Constitution, under which every international agreement to which the State becomes a party shall be laid before Dáil Eireann. The question whether that requirement would apply to an arrangement of the type referred to by the Deputy would depend on the precise nature and scope of the arrangement.