asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to recent reports suggesting that the only alternative that will be available to this country if it does not attain membership of the Common Market will be total economic integration with Britain; and whether he accepts this as a possible eventuality.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Economic Integration with Britain.
1.
I have not seen any such reports. It is obvious that total economic integration with Britain is not the only alternative to our membership of the European Economic Community.
The Taoiseach has not indicated in the reply whether he accepts that proposition as a possible eventuality. Even if he has not seen it, it has had widespread dissemination in the Press.
I tried to make it clear in my reply that I do not accept it.
Is it not a fact that in 1960, when the Trade Agreement with Britain was being discussed in this House, the Taoiseach pointed out that as a result of the report and recommendations of the Agricultural Committee previously set up, the question of full integration with Britain on agricultural matters was suggested, and as a result of that report, the Taoiseach put that case to the British Government? Is that not a fact?
That is a separate matter.
That is a separate matter.
Did not the Taoiseach——
It had nothing to do with this question.
Is it not a fact that by reason of economic policies followed by the Taoiseach and his colleagues over the past 30 years, it would be very difficult to have any greater economic integration with Britain?
The Deputy gets more foolish every time he talks.
He put that proposition in 1960 and was turned down.