andMr. Timmins asked the Taoiseach why the trade gap for the past five months is greater by £33 million than that in the corresponding period of 1970; and what steps are being taken to have this trend arrested.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Gap.
2.
Increased imports were responsible for the rise of £33 million in the import excess in the first five months of 1971 compared with the corresponding period of 1970. As indicated in my reply to a question on the 11th May, the principal element in the rise of imports was the purchase of two Boeing 747 aircraft, which added some £20 million to the import bill.
In answer to the second part of the question, I would refer the Deputies to the speech of the Minister for Finance when introducing the budget in which he outlined the economic policies to be implemented by the Government this year. The purpose of these policies is, inter alia, to bring about an improvement in the balance of payments.
May I ask the Taoiseach what is to be the loss of the air companies this year? I have already indicated here that they will lose a lot of money.
The Deputy should put down a question.
It is a separate question. I am calling Question No. 3.
Will the Taoiseach agree that when the Deputy's party got into office they sold the planes?
That was a long time ago.