HC Deb 15 November 1971 vol 826 c16
16. Mr. Golding

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the value of telecommunications equipment exported in each of the past eight years.

Mr. David Price

Since the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT. They show a steadily rising trend in recent years.

Mr. Golding

Is Britain's share of the world increase in telecommunications exports increasing? Are those exports 13 months late in delivery, as are home deliveries? Why are crossbar shelves being constructed in Liverpool, taken to Brazil for wiring—thus counting as exports—and then brought back to our factories in the North-East?

Mr. Price

I do not have the figures for the whole world as a percentage, but I have them for the O.E.C.D., which covers four-fifths of the world's exports of manufactured goods. These show that, in 1963, Britain had 12 per cent. of the O.E.C.D. market in telecommunications apparatus and in 1969 had 7 per cent. On the hon. Member's later point, if he would care to write to me in detail, I should be happy to reply.

Following is the information: