asked the Taoiseach if it is proposed to discuss trade or any other matters with the British Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations during his visit to this country next week.
2.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Visit of British Minister.
1.
asked the Taoiseach whether any agenda has been fixed for the talks which are to take place between Mr. Duncan Sandys, British Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, and representatives of the Irish Government on trade matters; and whether there will be specific discussions, either formal or informal, on future changes in British agricultural policy including subsidies, support prices, etc.
With your permission, Sir, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
The discussions with the British Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations will be a continuation of the talks which took place in London in March last. These, as indicated in the communiqué issued after the talks, concerned the approach of the two Governments towards the new situation created by the breakdown of the negotiations between Britain and the European Economic Community and the possibility, in the context of developing mutual trade, of increasing exports of Irish agricultural products to Britain.
In that context, will the question of the proposed elimination of tariffs between the member States of the EFTA by 1966 come up for discussion?
Yes, I think that will be a relevant factor.
And the repercussions that may have on us?
Will the Taoiseach state whether it is contemplated that there will be any discussion on the question of a closer relationship between this country and other countries in the British Commonwealth, which is a proposition now being canvassed by influential groups in Great Britain?
The discussions will relate entirely to trade between this country and Great Britain.
Could the Taoiseach say if it is proposed at this stage to revise the trade agreements at present in existence between here and Great Britain?
What will take place on this occasion will be a general discussion and nothing in the nature of a general revision of agreements will arise.