asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (1) what imports other than 500 tons of tinned salmon have been made from Japan in the past year; (2) what exports have been made to that country, and (3) if it was possible to import the above-mentioned commodity at a cheaper rate from some more adjacent State under a reciprocal trade agreement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade With Japan.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report statements giving the information sought in parts (1) and (2) of the question. This information will be given in the normal way in the published trade statistics for 1953.
As regards part (3) of the question, this purchase was undertaken by private enterprise, and I have no information as to the price paid for these goods. Irish importers are now free to purchase tinned salmon in any market.
Following is the statement:—
IRELAND.
(1) IMPORTS of Principal Commodities from Japan during 1953:—
|
£ |
||
|
TOTAL: |
965,204 |
|
|
cwt. |
||
|
Fish in airtight containers |
13,766 |
285,733 |
|
Wood, lumber, cork and manufactures |
— |
94,893 |
|
sq. yds. |
||
|
Rayon fabrics |
5,767,587 |
426,203 |
(2) DOMESTIC EXPORTS of Selected Com modities to Japan during 1953:—
|
£ |
||
|
TOTAL: |
171,520 |
|
|
cwt. |
||
|
Beef and veal, frozen |
11,233 |
133,301 |
|
cwt. |
||
|
Non-ferrous scrap metals |
3,504 |
29,531 |
|
RE-EXPORTS: |
Nil |
|
Arising out of the reply in reference to part (3), would the Minister not consider making inquiries as to whether it is possible to get this tinned salmon more adjacent to our own shores?
It could be got in Russia.
Russia is not as far away as Japan, in case the Minister does not know that.
That is what I say—it is more adjacent.
Surely this country could buy tinned salmon somewhere other than the other side of the world?
As far as I am concerned anyone wanting to buy tinned salmon can buy it anywhere they wish.
No wonder tinned salmon is so dear and the cost of living so high.
I presume the reason it was bought in Japan was because it was cheaper than anywhere else.
Why did the Minister not say that in the first place? Does the Minister suggest it is possible to get tinned salmon cheaper in Japan than anywhere nearer us?
I am saying it is purchased by private enterprise which is free to purchase in any part of the world it likes. Is that clear?
Further arising out of the Minister's reply, it is surely necessary for some member of the Government to give a credit for the buying of tinned salmon and surely it ought to be a matter for Government consideration whether it is more economic to buy this tinned salmon in Japan or somewhere nearer home.
I have explained there are no restrictions on the purchase of tinned salmon for anyone who wants to purchase it anywhere and the currency will be made available for purchase anywhere including in the dollar area.
The Minister has no function?
No function whatever.