asked the Taoiseach if he is in a position to state the outcome of the recent trade talks with the British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
5.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Talks with British Government.
4.
asked the Taoiseach whether during his recent discussions in London he proposed to the British Government that Irish agricultural products should be linked to British guaranteed prices with the condition that goods at present imported by this country from the Continent would instead be purchased from Britain; and, if so, if he will make a full statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.
The meeting with British Ministers which took place in London on the 12th instant did not conclude the discussions on trade matters between the two Governments. As was stated in the communiqué issued after the meeting, the discussions were brought a stage further on that occasion, and it was arranged that, having regard to the trade possibilities indicated by the discussions, the joint committee of officials should meet later this month to formulate detailed proposals, related to the Trade Agreements between the two countries, for consideration by Ministers.
At this stage, I am not prepared to state the nature of the proposals made by us to the British Government.
Can the Taoiseach say what were the proposals which were rejected by the British Government and to which he referred at the Press Conference subsequent to the meetings?
I do not think it is desirable that I should, at this stage, disclose any proposals that we made during the course of the negotiations.
While appreciating that, can the Taoiseach say what specific items are to be considered by the officials?
I would not be at liberty to say that now.
When will the discussions be resumed by the officials?
Next week.
Bearing in mind that it is desirable that the people should know what is our policy in respect of trade vis-á-vis Great Britain would the Taoiseach consider taking the public into his confidence by indicating what proposals exactly were made to the British Government, what proposals were rejected by them and for what reasons, so that at least they will have an informed view of what our trade position is?
I have indicated that the discussions with the British Government on trade matters are not yet concluded and I do not think it is in our interest that I should, at this stage, publicise proposals which were discussed during the course of these talks. At some stage the House should get, and I shall be prepared to see they do have, an opportunity for a full debate.
I can appreciate the necessity for prudence in discussions of this kind but it is a bit bewildering to the public to be told by means of a statement which I think was issued by the Taoiseach himself that certain proposals submitted to the British Government were unacceptable and then to leave the members of the public asking themselves what were these proposals which were unacceptable. If at this stage they were told nothing we could understand and would wait till the end of the discussions but to be told that certain proposals were unacceptable and then to be told: "you cannot know what was unacceptable" is bewildering to the public.
Can the Taoiseach say when he considers the discussions may conclude?
While it would be difficult to say when the immediate talks may end, the Deputy will appreciate that in any case the term "conclude" is rather inapplicable in that connection. Matters affecting trade between the two countries are continuously the subject of discussion and this committee of officials which was set up last July is intended to be a permanent medium for the exchange of views. I should think, however, that we should, at some date next month, have completed the consideration of specific proposals which are now being discussed.
Is it expected that these proposals will result in a modification of existing agreements?
I contemplate that an agreement supplementary to the existing agreement may emerge from these discussions.
Can the Taoiseach say whether for the purpose of obtaining a favourable link in relation to agricultural prices, our Government were prepared to suggest to the British Government that the policy of protection of industries here would be altered so that British industrialists would have a chance of coming into our market? Was that one of the points of discussion between our Government and the British representatives?
I have already said I do not think it is in this country's interest that I should at this stage disclose proposals that were discussed.
When the Taoiseach talks of discussions reaching a certain stage next month, does he mean he visualises that next month he will be in a position to make a full disclosure of the position to the Dáil?
That is very likely.
Could the Taoiseach say whether the British Government have also decided to release for publication the proposals which were the subject of discussion and which were turned down; and if they have not and if they subsequently announce the conditions which prove unacceptable to them, would the Taoiseach still feel bound to retain that information in confidence and not give it to our own people? Supposing the British people are given this information next week——
That is a hypothetical question. The Deputy will appreciate that the discussions are still taking place; what benefits if any we may hope to get for this country as a result of them are still not determined. It would clearly be undesirable that I should, at this stage, minimise any prospects that may exist in that regard, however remote they may be.
The Taoiseach said certain things had been turned down.
The Taoiseach says the discussions will continue. Are they continuing about the questions that have been turned down? Does the Taoiseach hope that certain amended proposals will be accepted by the British?
Certain specific proposals which were discussed at Ministerial level last week, are now being examined in greater detail by the committee of officials.