asked the Taoiseach if he will state for the year 1967 the total exports to, and imports from France; and if he envisages an expansion of trade between this country and France which will include an immediate short term expansion of Irish exports prior to the finalisation of negotiations for Irish entry to the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade with France.
1.
Exports to France in 1967 were £6.7 million, and imports in the same year were £9.1 million. This country's trade with France has grown substantially in recent years but exports showed a slight drop in 1967.
From the indications received from our Embassy in Paris and from Córas Tráchtála, I am hopeful that the general upward trend in our trade with France will be maintained. The results in the first quarter of 1968 support this view.
In view of the fact that we had an adverse trade balance with France of roughly £2½ million and that our trade with the six EEC countries dropped by £2.5 million in 1967, or nine per cent, due to the protective policy of the Community, would the Taoiseach not envisage having some interim agreement with those countries to help trade from Ireland until we become members of the EEC?
The question relates to France only.
We have a bilateral agreement with France.
In view of the adverse balance of £2.5 million, would the Taoiseach not envisage sending a deputation to France to try to increase our exports and do something more to wipe out that adverse trade balance?
The position for the first quarter of 1968 is far more hopeful. Imports have been running only very slightly ahead of exports. Our exports as compared with the corresponding period last year have nearly doubled.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary envisage that we will export more to France this year than they will export to us?
I explained to the Deputy that the only figures available so far relate to the first quarter of 1968. Our imports have been running only very slightly ahead of exports. Our exports have practically doubled since the coresponding period last year.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary think that trend will continue for the year?
I hope it will.