HC Deb 13 May 1976 vol 911 cc249-50W
44. Mr. Radice

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he is satisfied with the volume of British exports.

Mr. Meacher

Our exports have responded to improving economic conditions overseas, and their volume is now increasing after having fallen during much of 1975 as a result of the world trade recession. In the first quarter of this year the volume of our exports was 3 per cent. higher than in the previous quarter, following a rise of 7 per cent. between the third and fourth quarters of last year.

This improving trend is encouraging, but it is essential that it be maintained. Our exports are now very competitive and we must grasp the opportunities that the widely expected revival in world trade, now becoming apparent, will afford. In this I am heartened by the optimisim on export prospects which emerged from the recent CBI Survey. This demonstrates that industry recognises the essential role that exports have in our economic life and that positive action will be taken to ensure its growth.

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