asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state what steps have been taken by our diplomatic or consular representatives abroad to arrange for the supply to this country of essential raw materials in exchange for our exportable surplus of wool, hides, live animals, beer spirits, etc.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports and Exports.
I have been asked to reply. It would not be practicable within the compass of a reply to a Parliamentary Question to set out fully the steps that have been taken before and since the outbreak of war to ensure the supply of essential foodstuffs and raw materials for this country.
The Deputy may rest assured that every possible step in this connection has been taken by our diplomatic and consular representatives in consultation with the Departments concerned. It will be appreciated, however, that there are, especially under war conditions, numerous difficulties in the way of making a barter arrangement of the kind the Deputy appears to have in mind.