asked the Taoiseach what is the latest position in the trade talks with Russia, Poland, Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria; and if he will give details of the import-export trade figures between Ireland and these countries for the past nine months.
7.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade with East European Countries.
6.
asked the Taoiseach if he will indicate the nature of trade talks between this country and Russia and Bulgaria which are to be held this month; if bilateral trading agreements are envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together, and to circulate, with the Official Report, a tabular statement setting out the information sought in the second part of Question No. 6.
An official delegation is at present in Bulgaria for the purpose of discussing the development of trade between the two countries and possibly the question of concluding a trade agreement, Preliminary discussions on trade have taken place with Russian, Polish and Czechoslovak authorities but arrangements for the start of formal trade negotiations have not yet been made.
Following is the statement:
Trade with certain countries in the period January-September, 1969.
|
Country |
Imports |
Total Exports |
Import Excess |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
USSR |
1,274,314 |
138,433 |
1,135,881 |
|
Poland |
4,282,093 |
863,338 |
3,418,755 |
|
Czechoslovakia |
1,005,762 |
109,203 |
896,559 |
|
Bulgaria |
16,150 |
3,752 |
12,398 |
Will these formal negotiations warrant the attendance of the Minister for Industry and Commerce?
Not necessarily.
The Civil Service can deal with this?
That is the normal practice in these bilateral trade agreements.