§ 46. Mr. A. Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the January trade figures should a further increase of £50 million deficit in the balance of overseas trade; what was the reason for this; what action he is taking to balance the overseas trading account; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ErrollI pay very close attention to the trade figures month by month and experience has taught me not to read too much into any one month's figures, whether favourable or unfavourable. Allowing for seasonal factors, the trade gap has continued to fall over the past few months. As to the last part of the Question, it continues to be the Government's policy to promote the increase in exports to all markets.