I note that the Taoiseach proposes to make a more exhaustive statement tomorrow. However, there are certain questions in relation to which I should be grateful if he could in some measure release information today. One is that in 1960, on his return from London, he informed the House that our relations with Great Britain were on a contractual basis and would involve regular consultation between the two Governments. What steps were taken to bring to the attention of the Government of Great Britain the argument which the Taoiseach described as having greatly impressed the British Ministers, that is, that the impact of charges on trade was more severely felt in Ireland than in any other country and that the charges were contrary to the Trade Agreement? What steps were taken prior to the visit to London of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Industry and Commerce to bring these matters to the attention of the British Government in view of the regular consultations provided for under the 1960 agreement?
We are all agreed on both sides of this House—and, indeed, the British Government, too—that the 15 per cent levy is a breach of the existing Trade Agreements, 1938 to 1948. We are all agreed that it imposes heavy financial loss on us. Is it by the Taoiseach's authority that the Minister for Transport and Power and the Minister for Justice are making speeches in the country, one admonishing the trade unions and the other forecasting additional taxation? If it is not by his authority, would it not be more prudent that the members of his Government would withhold speeches until such time as he has spoken of the joint Government proposals in regard to these matters?
I should like to ask the Taoiseach further if he would agree with me and deem it expedient to express that agreement now—as of today—that it is vitally important at the earliest possible moment to reassure wage earners in the export industries affected by this levy that it is within our competence and that we intend to do whatever requires to be done to ensure that their jobs will be safe?
I should like also to ask the Taoiseach whether it is not desirable at this early stage to be realistic in regard to these matters and to recognise, apart from the financial loss this breach of our agreement will involve us in, that it also means that the whole basis which we have so carefully built up of Ireland as a safe base from which to exploit the British market has seriously been prejudiced by this new departure. I should also like to ask if——