asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state what steps, if any, have been or are being taken to effect an agreement with the French Government, whereby a larger quota of lobsters, crayfish and similar fish may be exported from the Free State to France.

The French Government had maintained the position that the Saorstát had exceeded its quota in these classes of fish for last year to such an extent that no export could be allowed this year. However, following further representations, a quota of 400 quintals for the period 15th May to 31st December, was obtained. Every effort is being made to improve our trade position with France, and the Government is giving particular attention to the interests of the lobster fishing industry.