asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the total value of exports to and imports from France during 1966; and what efforts are being made to increase exports to France.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade with France.
46.
In 1966 the value of Irish exports to France was £7,231,387 and the value of imports from France was £8,205,540.
There is a trade agreement with France which provides for quotas for certain industrial goods which are the subject of restrictions under the French import regime. It also makes provision for the import into France of a number of other products which are not subject to EEC regulation.
As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware a wide range of grants, incentives and services has been made available for exporters and these, of course, apply to exports to France. The efforts made to expand our exports there have met with considerable success in recent years. This is evident from the increase which occurred between 1962 and 1966 during which period the value of our exports rose from £1.5 million to £7.2 million.
Would the Minister have to hand the main increases?
I can only tell the Deputy the main items in 1966 were meat, metal ores and concentrates, fish, professional and scientific goods, and medical and pharmaceutical products.
Nothing of the Potez factory anyway?
Would the Minister not agree that we should have more aggressive young salesmen with agricultural training and experience in our embassies, both in France and Germany——
That is a separate question. The Deputy is seeking information on Question No. 46 in regard to the total value of exports and imports.
You have not read the question correctly. I asked what efforts are being made to increase exports to France, and arising out of that, I am entitled to ask the Minister for Industry and Commerce does he not think we should have more aggressive young salesmen with agricultural training and experience in our embassies in France and other European countries, in preparation for our entry into the EEC?
Without commenting on the implications of the Deputy's question, which I do not accept, I would point out that the question of the marketing of agricultural produce is not a function of the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
Does the Minister not think there should be co-operation with embassies abroad and does he not believe: "Ní hé lá na gaoithe lá na scolb"?