asked the Minister for Finance whether he proposes to take any steps to remedy the fall of £6.6 million in domestic exports and the rise of £12.5 million in imports in the first quarter of 1965 with their resultant adverse effect upon the balance of trade; if so, if he will state the nature of such steps; and when they will be taken.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports and Exports.
4.
The published trade figures for the fall in domestic exports and the increase in imports were £5.8 million and £5.7 million, respectively, in the first quarter of 1965 and not as stated by the Deputy.
It is too soon yet to say how far these figures reflect the operation of temporary factors which may change for the better or how far they indicate the development of an adverse trend. The Deputy may be assured that the Government are watching the situation. I shall be dealing further with the matter in my Budget speech.