asked the Taoiseach whether he will make a statement with regard to the trade talks held on 16th May between the Government and Mr. Duncan Sandys, British Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations.
3.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Talks.
2.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the matters discussed, and the decisions arrived at in the recent talks with Mr. Duncan Sandys, British Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations.
4.
asked the Taoiseach if he has any statement to make in regard to his recent meeting with Mr. Duncan Sandys, British Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, in particular in regard to the export of agricultural produce to Britain; and whether any decisions were arrived at.
5.
asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the results of his discussions last week with the British Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations.
With your permission, Sir, I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 to 5 together.
There is nothing which I could add to the communiqué which was issued after the conclusion of the talks which took place last week with the British Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations.
Is the Taoiseach in a position to say whether or not there was any indication from Mr. Sandys as to the possibility of a change in British agricultural policy, especially with regard to subsidies? Secondly, is the Taoiseach in a position to tell us whether or not there was a suggestion by Mr. Sandys that we should join EFTA?
In reply to the Deputy's first question, an indication of a change in policy has, of course, been given and, indeed, he will have seen a Press announcement that a statement will be made in the House of Commons this afternoon. The reply to the Deputy's second question is in the negative.
Could the Taoiseach say whether, when these discussions are resumed in July, it is proposed to hold them on a formal basis with a view to revising the existing agreement or whether they will be informal?
It is a bit early to answer that question yet. There may be some more informal discussions before anything in the nature of formal talks are embarked on.
Could the Taoiseach say whether any general agreement was arrived at concerning the future of Anglo-Irish trade arrangements, whether future discussions would take the form of re-negotiation on the 1958-59 agreement?
There was no question of any sort of agreement, only a general discussion.
Will the Taoiseach bear in mind that the time of Sandys is running out?
The sands of time are always running out.
Why did the Taoiseach not let him have the credit for it—it was very good?
Can the Taoiseach say whether, consequent on the recent discussions, it is reasonable to assume that our trade with Britain in relation to livestock and livestock products will continue on the reciprocally advantageous basis that has obtained heretofore?
I certainly hope so.
Is it only a hope?