asked the Minister for External Affairs what further negotiations have been held with the British Government since March, 1969, on the question of the British import deposit scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Import Deposit Scheme.
27.
The British import deposit scheme has been the subject of further discussion with the British authorities in October, 1969, November, 1969, December, 1969 and February, 1970.
How do the British now justify the continuance of this deposit scheme? Was it not based on their balance of payments position, when originally introduced? As far as I can gather from the members of the Council of Europe, they say there is no justification for it and that the British civil servants are just codding the Irish people.
The import deposit scheme affects more than the Irish people. It is not imposed against the Irish people only.
We have a trade agreement.
The other people have a trade agreement, too. I do not want to argue in favour of Britain. The British civil servants are not sitting down to devise a scheme to cod the Irish people. This was devised to protect their balance of payments. They are in a better position now.
They contravened the agreement.
We have to pay for it in cash.
The banks are paying it out. If Deputies do not want the answer, I am quite willing to say nothing.
We want the answer.
We sought exemption. Mr. Wilson explained to the Taoiseach, originally, and the Ministers have maintained this position, that it was nondiscriminatory and that they could not exempt any individual country, including Ireland.
Does the Minister accept this British ballyhoo?
No, but what can I do if I do not accept it? What would the Deputy do? Beat them with his cap, I suppose.
Did the Minister for External Affairs discuss this with the British Minister of State last week?
I did not get time to open my mouth last week. I had no meeting.
Has it been raised at Ministerial level at any time recently or was it raised only at Civil Service level?
Yes, it has been raised by me and by other Ministers frequently. I have not the dates. It was raised at the two meetings we had for the trade agreement and it was raised at other times when I met the Ministers over there. It was raised officially as well.