asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether there is at present any trade between Ireland and Spain, and whether any efforts have been made to establish trade relations with the portion of that country administered by the Burgos Government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Relations with Spain.
So far as exports are concerned the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The figure for imports since the 1st March is not yet available. No effort has yet been made to conclude a trade agreement with the Burgos Government.
Would the Minister say why nothing has been done in the way of attempting to start trade with the part of the country controlled by the Burgos Government?
That is a separate question. I am not prepared to answer that.
Does the Minister allege that no trading has taken place between that part of Spain under the control of the Valencia Government and this country since the beginning of the year.
I refer the Deputy to the question I was asked and to the reply which I gave.
The question addressed to the Minister was: "To ask the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether there is at present any trade between Ireland and Spain...." The purpose of my supplementary question is to elucidate the meaning attached by the Minister to the words "at present."
I mean now.
To-day?
Now.
This week or this month?
At the present time.
What is the present time?
Now.
Does that cover the period from 1st January to date? The Minister does not care to reply. We will give him an opportunity.
The Deputy is living in the fourth dimension, I am afraid.
Is the Minister aware that other Governments which have not formally recognised the Franco Government have not thereby been debarred from taking steps to trade with the part of Spain controlled by the Franco Government?