asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will try to negotiate a more favourable agreement with the United Kingdom with a view to the removal of duty on artificial fibres and so promote the export of textiles to that country.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - British Duty on Artificial Fibres.
44.
Discussions are proceeding with the British authorities with a view to an improvement in the permanent trading arrangements between the two countries and the Deputy may be assured that the duty on man-made fibres, about which we have been in negotiation with the British authorities for a number of years, is not being overlooked.
Could the Minister indicate if so far the negotiations have advanced at all?
I could not give any more information. Negotiations are in progress and it is impossible to give information at present.
Could the substitute Minister state if the Minister for Industry and Commerce, who is at present having discussions, I understand, with his opposite number in the United Kingdom, has this as a subject matter for discussion also?
As far as I know the discussions are proceeding between officials at the present stage.
Surely the Minister knows that the Minister for Industry and Commerce is in London at present? At least so it is indicated in the newspapers. There is a photograph of him in the newspapers—
I think the Deputy should put his question direct to the Minister when he returns.