asked the Taoiseach the trade figures between India and this country for the last financial year; and if there are any specific plans on hand to encourage the enlargement of trade between the two countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade with India.
1.
In the year ended the 31st March, 1972, exports to India were valued at £120,264 and imports from India were valued at £4,180,799.
It is primarily a matter for exporters to find and develop outlets for their products. However, as the Deputy is, no doubt, aware a wide range of grants, incentives and services has been made available to exporters to assist them, and these apply to exports to India.
Has there been any investigation into the possibility of outlets in India for Irish goods?
Indeed there has and the matter continues to be investigated. I think, for the Deputy's information, the main bulk of our imports is an item for tea which involves an expenditure of £2,673,599, which clearly indicates that we are a tea drinking people.
That is £1,000,000.
No, £2,673,599.
What about the £1.4 million?
There are also temporary imports, tobacco, which are clearly re-exported, of £749,414, so you can see that we are certainly a strong tea drinking nation.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not think that there is great disparity between £120,000 and £4 million?
Any mathematician will tell you that without having to ask me.
In view of the fact that there is a fund of goodwill in India towards Ireland as a whole and in view of the fact that the only embassy we have in Asia is in India, does the Parliamentary Secretary not consider—perhaps the Minister for Foreign Affairs is listening to this—that there is a possibility of extending trade? Could the Parliamentary Secretary say if the Government have done anything about it?
Indeed, there is every possibility of extending trade. The opportunities are there and there are incentives to be availed of. As I have already pointed out, it is a matter for exporters with the help of governmental agencies to take advantage of whatever opportunities are available to them in export markets. The Deputy will appreciate that everything is being done.