§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Minister for Trade why the United Kingdom share of world trade in manufactures has declined since 1979; and if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the United Kingdom's share of world trade in manufactures in each year since 1970 and for 1982 in whole or in part on (i) 1975 weights and (ii) current weights.
§ Mr. Peter ReesExtremely difficult trading conditions have prevailed in world markets throughout this period. However the hon. Member will be pleased to note that the United Kingdom share increased during 1982. The figures are as follows:
401W
United Kingdom share of volume of world*exports of manufactures† per cent. Current weighted 1975 weighted 1970 10.4 12.1 1971 10.4 12.3 1972 9.5 11.2 1973 9.4 11.2 1974 8.9 10.6 1975 9.1 10.7 1976 8.8 10.4
Current weighted 1975 weighted 1977 8.7 10.4 1978 8.1 9.8 1979 7.9 9.4 1980 7.7 9.1 1981 6.9 8.2 ‡1982 7.2 8.4 * Taken as the 12 main manufacturing countries. † Taken as standard international trade classification sections 5 to 8. ‡ First nine months.
§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Minister for Trade whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for the first three months of 1983 and for the 12 months ended on 31 March 1983 the United Kingdom trading deficit with the rest of the world, respectively, in manufactures less precious stones and in total trade less crude oil and precious stones.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThe information is as follows:
United Kingdom Balance of Trade £ million, balance of payments basis European Community (original six) Rest of the world Visible balance Visible balance 3 months ending 31 March 1983 (a) Manufactures less precious stones* -1,914 +1,230 402W
Proposal Object Stage Reached Proposal for a Council Directive concerning the authorisation of scheduled international air services for the transport of passengers, mail and cargo between Member States. To liberalise Community airlines' access to air routes between regional airports in the Community and to provide more flexible procedures for governments' approval of fares charged on these routes. Under consideration by the Council; expected to be considered again June 1983. Proposal for a Council Directive on tariffs for scheduled air transport between Member States. To liberalise procedures for governments' approval of tariffs for the carriage of passengers and cargo by Community scheduled airlines on inter-Community routes. Under consideration by a Council Working Group. Amended proposal for a Council Directive on the co-ordination of the laws of Member States relating to self-employed commercial agents. The approximation of Member States' laws etc. concerning the relationship between commercial agents and their principals in order to facilitate contracts where parties are in different Member States; facilitate trade in goods between Member States under single market conditions; and improve the economic position of agents vis-a-vis their principles. Under consideration by a Council Working Group. Proposal for a Council Directive on the co-ordination of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities other than of the close-ended type. To permit certain unit trust-type funds to be marketed freely throughout the Community provided they have been authorised by one Member State in accordance with agreed minimum standards. Under consideration by a Council Working Group. Proposal for a Council Directive on the co-ordination of requirements for the drawing up, scrutiny and distribution of the prospectuses to be published when securities are offered for subscription or sale to the public. To require persons offering unlisted securities to the public, to prepare prospectuses along the lines of those required for listed securities, and to have them vetted by a competent authority before publication. Under consideration by a Council Working Group. Proposal for a Council Directive on the approval of persons responsible for carrying out statutory audits of the annual accounting documents of certain types of companies. To require Member States to introduce minimum standards for company auditors. Under consideration by a Council Working Group.
European Community (original six) Rest of the world Visible balance Visible balance (b) Total less crude oil and precious stones* -1,978 - 104 12 months ending 31 March 1983 (a) Manufactures less precious stones* -5,834 +6,828 (b) Total less crude oil and precious stones* -6,466 +2,535 * Standard international trade classification, division 66.