§ Mr. Adam Butlerasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the sterling value, and the percentage of total imports, of finished consumer goods imported into the United Kingdom in the last available three-month period; and what were the figures for the same period 12 months ago.
§ Mr. NobleFor March to May, 1972, imports of consumer goods—including cars—were approximately £275 million representing 10 per cent. of total imports compared with about £190 million and 7½ per cent. in the corresponding period of 1971. These figures aggregate those headings in Sections 7 and 8—Finished Manufactures—of the Overseas Trade Statistics which are believed to include mainly consumer goods. The allocation between consumer and capital goods is to some extent arbitrary as some imports—for example cars—may be used for either purpose.