asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to a reply given in the British Parliament on February 19th by the President of the Board of Trade to a question concerning restrictions on the importation of periodicals to the effect that policy in the matter was governed primarily by balance of payment considerations; if he is aware that restriction of the importation of periodicals or other industrial goods from this country on such grounds is contrary to the provisions of the Trade Agreement of 1938; if he is further aware that during the recent negotiations on trade matters with the British Government an assurance was given that balance of payment considerations would not be advanced as a reason for restricting imports from this country contrary to the provisions of the trade agreement; and if he proposes to take any action in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Imports of Periodicals.
I have seen the reply given by the President of the British Board of Trade to a question relating to the ban on the importation into Great Britain of a certain Irish publication.
There is a conflict of opinion between the two Governments as to the interpretation of the Trade Agreement of 1938 in so far as it relates to the importation of industrial goods into Great Britain. It is intended to pursue the matter with the British authorities when the question of the present restrictions on industrial imports, whether for balance of payment or other reasons, will be fully explored.