I beg to move the motion standing in the name of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs.
Public Business. - Trade Agreement between Free State and Canada.
The following motion stood on the Paper in the name of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs:
That the Seanad approves of the Trade Agreement between the Irish Free State and the Dominion of Canada, signed at Ottawa on the 20th day of August, 1932, a copy of which was laid on the Table of the Seanad on the 26th day of October, 1932.
I beg to second the motion.
Cathaoirleach
There is no Minister here to explain the motion.
It seems to me it is about as big a farce as could well be for one Senator merely to move, and another merely to second, a motion of this kind, dealing with a trade agreement of this magnitude. I do not think it ought to be passed without explanation.
I might explain to Senator Douglas that the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs will be here in ten days' time but it might be too long to wait until then to pass this motion.
There are a number of questions in regard to this matter, one of which I asked the Minister for Finance, and he told me privately that inquiry was being made. That might arise on this motion which, without any disrespect to the two Senators who have moved in this matter, neither of them is in a position to deal with.
Cathaoirleach
Perhaps the matter might be adjourned until next Wednesday.
This motion is to approve of a trade agreement that speaks for itself. It is simply a reciprocal arrangement. I do not see why Senator Douglas could not allow it to pass and raise any question of general policy he likes at another time. The postponement here of the ratification of this treaty means the postponement of the arrangement coming into operation. If we are to get any benefit from the reciprocal arrangement we should take advantage of it as soon as possible.
That, of course, is very important, and I was not aware of it. I certainly do not want to be a party to postponing the coming into operation of this agreement. Senator O'Doherty says that the matters to which I refer could be raised at another time. That is possibly so, but on a motion of this kind such questions could be raised and one does not want to put down a special motion which would give undue importance as it were to such matters. If the postponement of this motion would prevent the trade arrangement coming into operation between this nation and Canada I do not want in any way to prevent it.
For the satisfaction of the Senator I will read portion of Article 3 of the Trade Agreement referred to in the motion before the House:—
This agreement shall be subject to the approval of the Parliaments of the Dominion of Canada and of the Irish Free State. Upon approval being given it shall be brought into force upon a date to be agreed upon by the Governments of the Dominion of Canada and the Irish Free State.
I take it that the sooner we approve of this agreement the sooner it will come into operation. The general question of trade arrangements can be raised afterwards.
Cathaoirleach
May I take it that it has received Canada's approval already?
I cannot say for the moment.
I am quite satisfied. I think Senator O'Doherty did not quite appreciate my point. I was under the impression that this agreement, the existing usefulness of which did not apply in Great Britain, applied in Canada and other Dominions. I want authoritative information from the Government on that. It was that point which was in my mind which would not make the urgency anything like the same, but in view of any possible danger of opposition I do not press it.
I think not much harm is going to arise from a week's delay. I think the motion is important enough to require that somebody should be in a position to explain its import and to answer any points that might be made. I do not think any interest will be damaged by the delay of a week. I do not know if the Dáil is dealing with this matter to-day. I think on the whole the advantages are in asking the Minister to explain the effect of the agreement.
As I raised objection to the postponement of this motion I may say that I did it on my own initiative. I feel that the terms of the agreement are extremely simple. I question much whether, in regard to this agreement, any great difficulty exists in the minds of anyone. However, I see questions could be raised in regard to agreements with other Dominions and if the House desires, and is really anxious for, a postponement of the question I will not stand in the way.
Cathaoirleach
I think the House is agreed that this matter be postponed until next week.
Agreed.
The House rose at 3.55 and adjourned until Wednesday, 7th December, 1932, at 3 p.m.