asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the Government were consulted by the British Government with reference to their recently announced intentions to give financial assistance to industries in certain areas of Britain; whether the products of industries so helped will be admitted to this country irrespective of the financial advantages granted to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aid for British Industries.
5.
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the negative. As to the remainder of the question, I would refer the Deputy to Article XIII of the Free Trade Area Agreement. This Article, as the Deputy will observe, provides that, if the application of any aid by either party frustrates fair competition, the other party shall on request enter into consultation immediately under Article XXIII with a view to seeking an equitable and mutually satisfactory solution.
Has consideration been given to the probable consequences of this new arrangement in affording some British industrialists advantages in competing on the Irish market, and will representations be made to the British Government as soon as the Agreement comes into operation in July next?
Of course, all such matters will be kept under review, and there is provision in the Agreement for regular meetings, and for special meetings at the demand of either party. These grants are in part a substitute for the investment allowances that industries that may benefit by them already have.