asked the Taoiseach whether he is aware that negotiations for a trade agreement are in progress between the British and United States Governments, and if he has taken, or proposes taking, steps to ensure that any understanding reached will not adversely affect the external trade of this country.

I am aware of the trade negotiations in progress between the American and the British Governments, and I can assure the Deputy that due care is being taken to safeguard, as far as practicable, the external trade of this country in so far as it might be affected by any trade agreement between the two Governments referred to.