§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the volume of export of steel and steel products during the first six months of 1973, as recorded by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, and by the steel industry, respectively; and what explanation his Department has established as to any discrepancy between the two figures.
§ Mr. EmeryThe figures are as follows:
H.M. Customs and Excise Steel Producers (million tonnes) Export of steel and steel products recorded by: January-June 1973 2.18 1.87 Tonnages recorded by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise commonly exceed those of the steel producers. The discrepancy reflects the inclusion in Customs' figures of exports of steel by organisations other than steel producers and may also result from occasional differences of definition and dates of recording.