asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in view of the British Government's anticipated failure to carry out the provisions of the Anglo-Irish Trade Agreement of 1948 in regard to coal exports to Ireland he has any information as to particulars of British coal exports to other countries in the year 1950 and in the year 1951.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Exports To Ireland.
The sources of information at my disposal regarding British coal exports to countries other than Ireland are the figures published monthly by the British Government in their Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation. I would refer the Deputy to these publications.
Would the Minister not be able to obtain a list or circulate a list of these exports? It is not very convenient to obtain them.
They are available in the Library.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the British Government's anticipated failure to comply with the provisions of the Anglo-Irish Trade Agreement of 1948 in regard to coal exports to Ireland and of the high prices at which Ireland was forced to obtain coal from the United States and elsewhere the Government propose to claim compensation from the British Government.
Reference to the texts of the 1938 and 1948 Anglo-Irish Trade Agreements will show that they contain no provisions for compensation in the event of failure to fulfil undertakings and no provisions relating to coal prices.
I do not know if the Minister has made himself familiar with the discussions that took place before the change of Government in relation to this particular aspect?
Yes.
May I take it that the Minister will pursue the same line that was adopted by the previous Government in trying to obtain compensation?
I also had discussions with the British Ministers concerned on this subject and that line was pursued.