asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has made representations to the British Government regarding the two-price policy pursued by British exporters in respect of steel, pig-iron and other metals supplied to this country; and, if so, when the last representations were made and what reasons were put forward by the British Government for continuing the discrimination against this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Two-price Policy for Metals.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply which I gave to a similar question on 4th December. Every opportunity to impress on the British authorities the desirability of supplying metals to this country at reasonable prices will be availed of but I do not think it would be appropriate for me to try to explain the reasons why the British authorities have continued to pursue this policy of differential pricing, a policy which is not confined to exports to this country.
Is the Minister aware of the fact that this issue was raised when the Irish delegates were at the last conference of the Council of Europe at Strasbourg and surprise was expressed by British representatives of all political Parties who were present at the conference that this policy was being pursued in respect of this country? Bearing that fact in mind, would the Minister give further consideration to the question of reopening the matter with the British Government because of the adverse effects of that policy so far as our secondary industries are concerned?
The matter will be reopened with the British Government whenever a suitable opportunity arises. I must point out, however, that the policy is not confined to this country nor is it confined to Britain.
I think we have a better case than other countries for fairer treatment than we are getting.
There are other countries applying the same policy in respect of exports to this country.
Britain has a special obligation to this country in this matter having regard to other considerations of trade.