asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give details of the total value of imports from the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Hungary, East Germany and Poland for each year since 1958, and the reasons for the increased imports from these countries over the said period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports from Iron Curtain Countries.
21.
The value of imports from each country with which we have an appreciable volume of trade is shown in Table V of the Trade Statistics of Ireland compiled monthly by the Central Statistics Office and published by the Stationery Office. The issue for December each year shows the total figures for the year.
In a situation in which our external payments are in equilibrium there is generally an advantage in purchasing in the cheapest market even though this may result in an imbalance with particular countries. I would expect, however, that countries from which we purchase substantial quantities of goods should be prepared to grant us adequate import facilities in return.
The Restriction of Imports Act, 1962, empowers the Government to make an Order prohibiting imports originating in a particular country. In my view, it would be preferable not to make an Order if a satisfactory trading position can be achieved otherwise. I am, accordingly, keeping under close review the volume of our trade with countries with which we have at present a substantial adverse balance. I hope that the countries concerned will increase the volume of their imports from Ireland to an extent which would render unnecessary the making of an Order under the Restriction of Imports Act.