asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what are the advantages for Irish industry in the EEC; if his attention has been drawn to a statement by the senior lecturer in economics at Queen's University in Belfast stating that Northern Ireland had little to gain from EEC but that the prospects for the Republic were still worse; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.
119.
Our prospects for a progressive industrial economy providing a high level of employment depend on a continuing expansion of our exports. With this in view we must be able to offer an assurance of the widest possible markets, not only to our existing manufacturers, but also if we are to attract new industries with advanced technologies having a heavy investment in equipment. Membership of an enlarged EEC which includes Britain will afford us access to new export markets on a scale which promises to make these objectives realisable. Those who are opposed to our entry to the EEC have exhausted their arguments without demonstrating that there is, in fact, any comparable alternative.
Will the White Paper soon to be published by the Government include, as did the British one this week, an assessment of the losses and gains for industry on our accession to the Common Market, with particular reference to each type of industry?
I am not prepared to say in advance what will be in the White Paper. There are a number of elements on both sides—advantage and disadvantage—which it is not possible to forecast accurately at this stage.
Surely a Government agency, such as the Minister's Department, should, in the preparation of such a White Paper, indicate to industrialists and workers the possible gains and losses? Surely prudence would certainly dictate such a course?
Any such kind of communication is in the nature of a big estimate.
I think the House would accept that. We would hope that the Minister would ensure that some such evaluation is made. Otherwise the value of the White Paper would be diminished. The British have shown that this can be done. If they are capable of producing an evaluation— admittedly within a very wide range——
I am afraid we are going to get into a discussion again at this stage rather than a question.
It was a question. It had evolved into a question.
Question No. 120.