asked the Taoiseach if in view of Ireland's heavy adverse balance of payments with the communist and communist-controlled countries he will consider the advisability of transferring all purchases from these countries to free Europe, bearing in mind Ireland's application for entry into, or association with, the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Balance of Trade with Communist Countries.
4.
As the Deputy is aware, it is proposed to promote legislation to empower the Government to control imports. The main aim of this legislation will be the achieving of a better balance of trade with communist and communist-controlled countries. Trading with these countries is not inconsistent with membership of the European Economic Community, but in this connection I would refer the Deputy to the provisions of the Treaty of Rome on a common commercial policy and to the sections dealing with this matter in the White Paper of the 30th June, 1961, and the Supplement which is about to be issued.