HC Deb 02 May 1940 vol 360 cc917-8W
Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can give any information in connection with the trade talks with Eire Ministers on Monday?

Mr. Eden

Trade relations between the United Kingdom and Eire are at present regulated by the Agreement signed between the two countries in April, 1938. This Agreement has worked satisfactorily, but since the outbreak of war new problems have arisen calling for further consultation. Discussions have recently taken place between officials of the two Governments on these trade questions, and, following upon these discussions, at the suggestion of the Government of Eire, arrangement were made for the visit to London of Mr. Lemass, Minister of Supplies, and Dr. Ryan, Minister of Agriculture, in order to have conversations with United Kingdom Ministers. Mr. Lemass and Dr. Ryan arrived in London on Monday, and discussions, which are continuing, began on Tuesday.