asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, as stated by an O.E.E.C. spokesman in the discussions relative to the liberalisation of European trade at present being held between France and the United Kingdom, the latter is acting on behalf of the eleven O.E.E.C. countries outside the European Economic community of which Ireland is one; whether any results have come from such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Liberalisation of European Trade.
1.
The Anglo-French negotiations were concerned only with short-term arrangements. The British Government were not acting on behalf of the eleven O.E.E.C. countries who are not members of the European Economic Community. The negotiations were designed to mitigate, as far as Britain was concerned, the trading disadvantages which could arise in the current year from certain of the concessions granted to each other under the Rome Treaty by the members of the European Economic Community. The O.E.E.C. countries outside the European Economic Community have been kept informed of the progress of the Anglo-French negotiations which have not yet been brought to a final conclusion. A number of these countries have now initiated separate bilateral discussions with the French authorities. The trade agreement between Ireland and France which is negotiated annually is now due for renewal and it is proposed to seek discussions with the French authorities in the matter.