asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether the Government have been able to form an assessment of the effect which the Middle East situation will have on (a) the availability of shipping space for our trade and freight rates, (b) the availability of supplies and (c) the prices of imported commodities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (resumed). - Middle East Situation: Effects on Trade and Prices.
I would refer the Deputy to the answer given by the Taoiseach to a question asked by the Deputy in Dáil Éireann on 21st November concerning the economic and financial consequences likely to follow from the Middle East situation and the blockage of the Suez Canal. In the course of his reply the Taoiseach dealt with the possible repercussions on shipping, on freight charges and on supplies and prices of imported goods. The situation has not yet clarified to an extent that would make me wish to add anything to what the Taoiseach said on that occasion beyond saying that, except in the case of petroleum products, we do not so far appear to have experienced any immediately adverse effects either as regards availability of shipping space for our trade or the maintenance of supplies.