§ 6. Mr. Squireasked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the United Kingdom's balance of trade with countries in 1980.
§ The Minister for Consumer Affairs (Mrs. Sally Oppenheim)The balance of trade with the developing countries in 1980 resulted in a crude surplus of £672 million
§ Mr. SquireWill my right hon. Friend confirm that her answer demonstrates the major benefit that we receive from trade? Secondly, will she and her Department continue sympathetically to examine other opportunities for increasing trade while bearing in mind that purchasing materials from developing countries is perhaps the most practical way in which we can grant them assistance?
§ Mrs. OppenheimI agree entirely with my hon. Friend. In 1980 exports to developing countries were 62 per cent. higher than in 1976 while imports were only 29 per cent. higher. It is true that exports of manufactured goods from the United Kingdom to developing countries are at a high level. At the same time, the bulk of imports from developing countries to the United Kingdom are raw materials. In 1980, 40 per cent. of total imports was oil.
§ Sir Anthony MeyerHas my right hon. Friend noted that Opposition Members are the first to criticise the Government for their failure to implement the recommendations of the Brandt committee and at the same time to demand increased protection for imports from developing countries? Has my right hon. Friend further noted that Opposition Members who tabled questions about the multi-fibre arrangement have failed conspicuously to be present in the Chamber to ask them?
§ Mrs. OppenheimI have noticed exactly the same tendencies as my hon. Friend. Opposition Members, who always try to have it both ways, try to parade compassion for developing countries whenever issues of aid to these countries are raised. At the same time, they demand that we should shut the doors to trade with these countries.