HC Deb 21 June 1982 vol 26 cc4-5
5. Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the Minister for Trade what was the seasonally adjusted index for the volume of exports of non-oil goods for the latest available three-month period compared with the volume index for 1979.

Mr. Peter Rees

In the first quarter of this year, non-oil export volume was 2 per cent. lower than the average for the year 1979.

Mr. Lewis

As we are continually told by Ministers that the recession is on its way out, how can the Minister justify such statements in view of the figures that he has just announced?

Mr. Rees

When we are concerned with exports, we are concerned with other countries' response to a world recession. The hon. Gentleman might care to ponder the fact that, while the United Kingdom is emerging satisfactorily and robustly from the recession, other countries are moving a little more slowly in that direction.

Mr. Marlow

As a matter of interest to the House, what has happened to the non-oil export index with the Community over the last few months compared with 1979, and how does it compare with the non-oil import index with the Community?

Mr. Rees

I should require notice of that question to give the precise figures. I shall be happy to give them to my hon. Friend if he wishes to press that point.

Mr. Woolmer

Is it not time that the Government stopped misleading the country about the prospects for economic recovery and falling unemployment? Is it not true that, under the Labour Government, exports of non-oil products increased by 4 per cent. a year, whereas under the Conservative Government they have fallen by 2 per cent. over three years?

Has the Minister seen the latest CBI report, which states that economic prospects are flat? Does not British Business, published by the Departments of Industry and Trade, confirm that export prospects, however much we want them to increase, are not at all promising? When will the Government be honest with the nation and admit that the prospects for recovery under the Conservative Government are indeed remote?

Mr. Rees

The prospects for recovery under this Government are not remote. We have never made any attempt to conceal the relevant facts from the country. If the hon. Gentleman reflects, he may feel that it is a testimony to Britain's exporting strength that we have managed to maintain our exports at such a high rate against a background of world recession. That testifies to the underlying strength of British industry.