asked the Minister for External Affairs what is the term of the 1948 Trade Agreement with Great Britain and whether any initiative has been taken by either party to it to terminate it or prolong it; and, if so, what is the nature of such initiative.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Agreement with Britain.
The Trade Agreement with Britain, signed on the 31st July, 1948, had an initial validity of four years from that date; thereafter it continues in force until the expiry of six months' notice of termination by either party. Notice of termination has not been given by either party. The final part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
Would the Minister not agree that the time has arrived for the revision of the 1948 agreement in respect of coal so that we can utilise to the full extent our own natural resources, which are the bogs, getting a constant market for turf and at the same time providing employment for thousands of young men?
That is a separate question.
It arises out of the Coal and Cattle Pact.
It opens the entire matter.
It is one of the reasons why turf development is not going ahead at full speed.
It is three or four year. old.
Is the Minister aware that, when he was on these benches,he and his colleagues used to make the welkin ring with their anxiety and desire to denounce the agreement at every available opportunity.
That is nonsense.
We are not as irresponsible as the Deputy is.
As the Minister for Lands is not in the House at the moment, his questions will be taken later.
The Minister for Lands is in the restaurant and must have heard the bell summoning the House.
I have said that the Minister will answer the questions later on.
I want to get my dinner the same as the Minister.
I did not get mine yet.