asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state why the export of lamb to France has ceased.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Exports of Lamb and Mutton to France.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the present position regarding exports of mutton to the French market.
Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Moylan)
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I will take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.
Exports of carcase lamb to France commenced in October, 1955, and continued more or less regularly until a few weeks ago, when the Irish Embassy at Paris was informed that no further licences for the import of lamb to Paris would be issued until further notice. It was stated that this step was taken in the light of France's serious foreign exchange difficulties. The licences already in the possession of importers remained valid, and some trade has since been done on the basis of these licences. Representations have been made to the French Government with a view to the resumption of the issue of licences.
Does the Minister propose to direct the attention of the French Government to the fact that, despite considerable balance of payments difficulties in this country, we at no time prohibited imports from France, and does he intend to indicate to the French Government that if they propose that ruthless procedure in the very limited amount of exports from Ireland to France, it is not impossible that Ireland will have to consider reciprocal measures in regard to exports from France to Ireland?
Mr. Moylan
Let us not act hastily.
By no means.
Mr. Moylan
I am as much concerned as the Deputy with the present conditions with which I am not at all satisfied, not merely in regard to France, but in regard to other countries, and if there are any steps I can take to eliminate these conditions, they will be taken.
I take that answer for the present.