The Minister referred to the maintenance of diplomatic relations with Venezuela, a matter with which I was associated, but that is the only step taken to establish diplomatic relations with South America since the formation of the State. Will the Minister agree that the Andean Pact umbrella which facilitates the Community and the Andean Pact countries is not sufficient as far as our potential economic interests are concerned in that expanding and developing region? Will the Minister not agree that the countries concerned in North and South America — I am referring to Venezuela, Colombia, Equador, Peru and Brazil — require far more attention in the way of diplomatic representation and trade representation also?

I accept that we are thin on the ground in relation to what is a vast part of the world. South America is a vast area and we have one resident ambassador external representation to Venezuela and a few consúlates. I take the point, but the Deputy talks about the economic aspects and that obviously is a consideration when one is talking about the extension of diplomatic relations. It is proper to say that the extent of our trade with South America is not great.

The potential area is there.

At the moment our imports, which are mainly bananas, fruit and so on, total around £50 million and our exports are somewhat less, around £32 million to £33 million.

That is our fault.

The present level is very low. Concentrating on the economic aspects, on the question of possibilities for the future we must bear in mind the financial problems which many of those countries have at the moment. They have their debt problems and there are other difficulties.

Are we not lucky that we do not have those problems?

We are lucky that the present Government are coming to grips with the problems which were bequeathed to them. Generally to concentrate on the economic aspects it is fair to say that a very strong case could not be made at present, but there are other considerations.

I am glad we sent the only ambassador into the area.

Would the Minister of State say whether any consideration is being given at present to the expansion of our diplomatic presence in South America?

Not just in relation to South America.

Could we stick to South America?

Yes indeed. Let me answer that this is kept under continuous review. I mean that, and that is not an offhand answer. It has been examined quite carefully not just in South America but in a number of areas including South America. We are considering very carefully whether we should be making changes there in the future.