§ Q20. Mr. Michael Brownasked the Prime Minister what recent discussions she has had with other European Economic Community Heads of Government regarding the trade balance between the United Kingdom and the European Economic Community.
§ The Prime MinisterIn my frequent exchanges with Community colleagues I have emphasised the extent and mutual value of our trade: in 1981 this was over £21 billion in each direction and the balance must be seen in that context. I have stressed the importance we attach to the removal of the remaining barriers to trade in both goods and services, and the serious implications of any growth in protectionism or other distortions of the Community's internal market.