asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will support in full the proposals of the Secretary General of UNCTAD for approval at the conference to be held in Nairobi, Kenya, particularly those proposals relating to trade and development and the establishment of a common fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - UNCTAD Conference.
11.
The Government are not in a position to support in full the far-reaching proposals which have been advanced by the Secretary-General of UNCTAD. However, the Government support the call for effective action in the commodities area as a contribution to a more just order of economic relationships between States and favours a case-by-case approach to take account of the particular circumstances relevant to individual commodities. In the case of individual commodities, the Government are prepared to consider, in addition to other measures, financial arrangements involving contributions from producers and consumers. After a commodity-by-commodity examination has taken place, a study could usefully be made on the advisability of grouping under a single arrangement the financial provisions of any product agreements concluded.
As regards technology transfers the Government support the elaboration of a code of conduct to govern such transfers. The Minister for Industry and Commerce is to address the plenary session of UNCTAD tomorrow, Thursday, 13th May. I shall arrange for a copy of the Minister's speech to be made available to the Deputy after delivery.