asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider implementing Article 9, Section 2, of the 1938 Agreement between this country and Great Britain which empowers the Minister to alter the Agreement to prohibit the importation of canned and smoked fish.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Canned and Smoked Fish.
I am afraid the Deputy is under a misapprehension as to the facts in this matter. No mention of canned fish appears in the Trade Agreement of 1938; and the present position regarding imports of smoked fish is the outcome of arrangements made with the British authorities in April, 1938, by the then Minister for Agriculture, under the provisions of Article 9 of that Agreement.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, has he not power under that Agreement to prohibit smoked fish coming in?
I suggest that the Deputy might perhaps have a word with my predecessor in office at that time, and if he cares to put down another question consequent on that consultation——
I am only interpreting what I have here.
——I shall be very glad to furnish the information asked for.