HC Deb 27 November 1978 vol 959 c18W
36. Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will give the number of tons of coal imported in each of the past four years and the countries from which the imports have come.

Mr. Meacher:

Following is the information:

trade between the United Kingdom and the EEC for the most recent 12-month period; and how this compares with the figures for 1975 and 1976.

Mr. Meacher:

The latest figures available on a balance of payments basis are for the second quarter of 1978. However, our crude deficit with the EEC in the 12 months ended October 1978 was £2,388 million. The corresponding figures for 1975 and 1976 were £2,386 million and £2,261 million, respectively.