asked the Minister for Finance if the Irish trade gap with Britain in 1966 was favourable or unfavourable; and if he will make a statement on this matter with particular reference to the trading figures of Irish exporters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade with Britain.
96.
Figures for trade with Great Britain and Northern Ireland are not yet available for the calendar year 1966.
The outturn for the first eleven months of the year shows a welcome improvement in our balance of trade with Great Britain and Northern Ireland as compared with the corresponding period of 1965. A rise of £5 million in imports was more than offset by an increase of almost £13 million in total exports, with the result that the import excess at £20 million was £8 million less. Domestic exports showed an increase of almost 8 per cent despite the difficult conditions experienced in the British market during the period.