asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what percentage by value of total imports into Ireland from Britain in each of the years 1970, 1971 and 1972 was excluded by orders made to protect Irish industry as provided for under the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Protection of Industry.
21.
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the provision in Article 1 (5) of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement which allows the Irish Government in certain cases to exclude a limited number of goods from free trade. This provision was invoked once when, by an order made on 31st December, 1971, the Government increased the rates of duty on knitted outer garments and outer garments of woven or knitted fabric, other than garments of cotton of British origin with effect from 1st January, 1972.
In the years 1970 and 1971 there were, therefore, no imports from Britain excluded by orders made under the agreement. Statistics for 1972 are not yet available.
What is the position under Article 1 (5) of the agreement where temporary agreement is negotiated enabling us to reintroduce protection on certain items? This was raised in June last year. Has this been sorted out and why is it not covered in the terms of the Minister's reply?
In actual fact, a reply to that question was given in the House yesterday to Deputy Donegan, the Shadow Minister for Industry and Commerce.
But is it not covered by this question and why does the Minister not give the information?
I was not asked for this. This is a question about the percentage value of total imports into Ireland from Britain.
I do not see the distinction.