Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with the level of trade between the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Paul ChannonUnited Kingdom exports to China in January-May 1983 were £69.4 million and imports £90.3 million. In the same period of 1982 United Kingdom exports were £37.4 million and imports £83.4 million. The improvement in the figures, particularly for exports is encouraging. During the visit to Britain in March 1983 by the Chinese Minister of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade it was confirmed that both the British and the Chinese Governments saw good prospects for the development of trade between the two countries in the next few years.