asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the value in money of the sheep, pigs and cattle exported from Eire to Great Britain, and of the coal imported into Eire from Great Britain, for the past year; and if he will make representations to the British authorities that it is desirable that exported food from Eire should be paid for with coal and tea and other goods not available in Eire.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reciprocal Trade with Britain.
Mr. Byrne
The Deputy will have observed that subsequent to August, 1939, a summary only of the value of imports and exports has been issued. It has been decided not to publish, for the present, more details than are given in this summary. With regard to the second part of the question, I have no reason to believe that representations on the lines suggested by the Deputy would achieve any useful results.
Mr. Byrne
May I inform the Minister that I was in England recently, when I met very influential people? They told me that they were able to save tea on their two-ounce ration, and would willingly exchange it for meats from this country.
I am afraid that does not alter the reply I have to give the Deputy.
Mr. Byrne
Would the Minister go to the trouble of making inquiries?