asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he considers the reduction in gross imports reflects a loss of confidence in this country's industrial development situation; and if less machinery is now being imported for the purpose of expanding economic and technological growth.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gross Imports.
22.
I do not consider that a reduction in gross imports as such would reflect a loss of confidence in this country's industrial development.
I would point out that the most up-to-date statistics available, which relate to the first ten months of the year show that there was, in fact, an increase in gross imports compared with the same period last year.
Import statistics for the first ten months of 1975 indicate that there was an increase in the value of machinery. One could not, therefore, conclude that there has been a reduction in the quantity of machinery being imported for the purpose of expanding economic and technological growth.