asked the Minister for External Affairs if he considers that a more durable and extended trade agreement for the sale of our produce to Britain is desirable in view of the possible advent of the Free Trade Area, as the present agreement is terminable on either side at six months' notice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Agreement with Britain.
I do not consider that there is any need to seek a revision of the trade agreement with Britain merely for the reason that there is a provision therein for the termination of the agreement on either side at six months' notice. Such a provision is common to international trade agreements.
The outcome of the negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Area is at present uncertain. The Deputy may rest assured, however, that the Government in its examination of the problem will have full regard to the terms of our trade agreements with Britain.
The Minister is no doubt aware of the fact that on the coming into existence of the Free Trade Area, existing trade agreements will be taken into consideration? Does he not consider that it places us in a stronger position in the British market if we have a long agreement rather than one which could end at such short notice?
It has lasted for a long time — since 1938, with amendments.
Yes, but we have not had the Free Trade Area in Europe. Perhaps the Minister is not aware of that?
Would the Minister be able to tell me if we have a trade agreement with any countries behind the Iron Curtain? I think we may have, because we are buying all our imported sugar from behind the Iron Curtain. The Government gave that out in a detailed statement here, but they were afraid to read it out.