asked the Taoiseach whether he will make a statement on trade relations with other countries, with particular reference to the lack of balance in trade with those countries from which a substantial quantity of goods is imported but which purchase very few goods from this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Relations with Other Countries.
10.
I have dealt with this question on a number of previous occasions.
The Deputy will appreciate that international trade relations generally are at this juncture in somewhat of a transitional stage having regard to the problems arising from the existence of European economic regional groupings like E.E.C. and E.F.T.A. and also, insofar as this country is concerned, from our approach to the G.A.T.T.
So long as there is an overall balance in our external payments, it is generally to our advantage to buy import requirements in the cheapest markets, even though this may involve a lack of balance in our trading with individual countries. On the other hand, we think it reasonable to expect countries from which we buy considerable quantities of goods to be prepared to grant us import facilities in return. The constant aim of the Government in trade relations with particular countries is to secure the greatest possible expansion of exports in return for the import facilities we afford and we have at present under consideration the question whether there are any steps which could usefully be taken to secure this objective more effectively.