§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can issue annually a report, giving particulars as to value, etc., of the various imports and exports of Ireland in each year.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. KEARLEY, Devonport)There is no objection to publishing an Annual Return, if desired, showing the direct trade of Ireland with places abroad. If, however, it is desired to include trade between Ireland and Great Britain, I regret that the information is not available I understand that the Irish Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction intend to publish some information as to the cross-channel trade which they have procured through harbour and port authorities, but that this relates to quantities only.
§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELLThe reports published annually by the Board of Trade do not give any indication whatever of the trade of Ireland either with England or other countries; cannot something be done to let Ireland know how she stands in the matter?
§ MR. KEARLEYI will inquire.
§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Customs 1275 authorities could afford very great facilities to the Board of Trade if instructed to do so?
§ MR. KEARLEYProbably they can. We will see what can be done.