asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the considerable reduction in the value of exports to the Union of South Africa; and whether, in view of the considerable imports to this country from South Africa, be will consider the desirability of initiating discussions for the purpose of expanding exports in that country, bearing in mind the market potentiality of tweeds and bloodstock.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Exports to South Africa.
Discussions with a South African Trade Delegation were held in Dublin in October last to review the position of trade between the two countries, with particular reference to our exports of tweed and bloodstock. These discussions show that official barriers to the importation of goods into South Africa are now only nominal and that the development of exports from Ireland will depend on the revival of interest by South African purchasers. Córas Tráchtála Teoranta, who were represented at the discussions, have already taken steps to bring to the notice of exporters the potentialities of South Africa as a market for Irish goods.