asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state whether the Government have received any communication from the Government of the United Kingdom in relation to a meeting of representatives of members of the British Commonwealth, called for the purpose of discussing the economic interest of their countries preparatory to their attending a meeting convened by the Government of the United States which is intended to be a special meeting preliminary to the International Conference on Trade and Employment to be held later; if he will say whether it is the intention of the Government to send representatives to such Commonwealth Conference; further, if he has not received any such communication or invitation, if he will state whether it is the intention of the Government to make representations to any of the Commonwealth Governments in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Commonwealth Conference.
No communication has been received from the British Government with regard to the meeting of Commonwealth representatives referred to by the Deputy. Since the Tánaiste's conversation with the President of the Board of Trade last October, however, there have been informal economic consultations with the British authorities. These are still continuing, but I am not in a position to make any further statement with regard to them at the present stage.
Will the Taoiseach say whether, in view of the fact that this is a preliminary conference of members associated with the British Commonwealth, to discuss domestic and international measures for the purpose of endeavouring to bring about a high level of consumption and employment in the various countries, and that this preliminary conference is called by the Government of the United States, he does not consider that it would be most desirable that we would have representatives at the conference to discuss matters, particularly in view of the close-knit economic interests we have with Great Britain?
I think I have told the Deputy in my reply that consultations are continuing, and that I am not at the moment in a position to answer the Deputy.