HC Deb 19 July 1989 vol 157 cc337-8
12. Mr. Gill

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what has been the volume of Britain's (a) food and (b) automobile exports in each of the past eight years.

Mr. Atkins

Between 1981 and 1988 the volume of United Kingdom exports of food increased by 34 per cent. and that of passenger motor cars by 25 per cent. The full set of figures will be included in the Official Report.

Mr. Gill

Does my hon. Friend agree that the food manufacturing industry employs more than 500,000 people, produces 6.4 per cent. of manufacturing industry output, and continues to serve the British economy extremely well?

Mr. Atkins

My hon. Friend is right. Since 1975, the industry has doubled its exports in volume terms. It makes a major and welcome contribution to our export achievements.

Mr. Allen

Is the Minister aware that in these two sectors, as in others, there will be a tremendous impact come 1992? Has he read the EEC report which states that 2 million jobs will be lost due to the effect of 1992? Some sources say that 200,000 of those jobs are in the United Kingdom. If the Minister does not know the answer, will he write to me?

Mr. Atkins

I have not yet had the pleasure of reading the report to which the hon. Gentleman refers. When I do so, I shall certainly write to the hon. Gentleman, and I hope that he will be in when I do so.

Mr. Roger King

Does my hon. Friend agree that much of the work of improving the export performance of the British motor industry has been outstanding by companies which I know are dear to his heart? Leyland-DAF, through its van subsidiary, has dramatically expanded its export potential within the Community. As for the Rover Group, one third of its production goes overseas. Jaguar is well known for its exports both to the United States and to Europe. The news that Peugeot is to start exporting cars to Japan must be a clear sign that we are in the car business to stay.

Mr. Atkins

My hon. Friend never ceases to sing the praises of the motor industry, about which he speaks with such considerable authority—[Interruption.] Unlike many Opposition Members, my right hon. and hon. Friends know what they are talking about, usually from personal experience. My hon. Friend is rght to draw the attention of the House to the success story of the motor industry. Following are the figures:

Exports of food passenger motor cars
Volume indices 1985=100 Overseas trade statistics basic
Food1 Passenger motor cars2
1981 83.5 100.0
1982 82.9 94.2
1983 94.5 86.1
1984 96.5 82.9
1985 100.0 100.0
1986 109.5 93.8
1987 116.5 120.6
1988 112.1 125.3

Sources:

1 MAFF

2 DTI