asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state when the trade talks between the Republic and Britain will take place in London as reported in the Press; what matters are to be discussed apart from coal, butter, live stock and steel whether the talks will be on ministerial level; and, if so, what Ministers will participate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Talks with Britain.
The Press report referred to in the question was incorrect.
Our trade relations with Britain are governed by the Anglo-Irish Trade Agreements of 1938-48. These agreements are of a continuing nature and talks in regard to the agreements as a whole are not at present contemplated.
There has been some consultation with British officials arising out of the recently announced intention of the British Government to restore the trade in certain food and agricultural commodities to private hands. These talks have been of a preliminary and informal nature. Our trade with Britain in these commodities is governed by the provisions of the annex to the trade agreement of 1948——
Hear, Hear!
——as based on the agreement of 1938.
Hear, Hear!
The original annex was replaced by a new one in an exchange of notes on the 17th June, 1953, and the notes specifically provide for consultation between the British and Irish Governments in the event of the British Government's returning to private hands the trade in any of the products dealt with in the annex.
In view of the fact that the Minister has said that the Press reports in this connection were incorrect, might I inquire whether it is a fact that the Press reports were correct and that the Government have now changed the decision in connection with any trade talks?
Would the Minister not think it necessary at this stage to enter into negotiations with the British Government with regard to the prices of foundry steel and pig iron?
That is a very separate question.
Indeed it is not. Steel is mentioned here in the question.
Arising out of the Minister's reply and his references to discussions with the British Government on the proposal to release from control a particular commodity, will he direct the attention of his colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, to the necessity of taking steps, in connection with the release of turkeys from control, to ensure that our people will not be induced to sell their turkeys at 2/6 per lb.(interruptions)on the 1st December to dealers who sell them at 4/- per lb. on the 15th December?
I certainly shall advise the Minister for Agriculture not to promise to drown the British in eggs.
It is a pity he would not.