HC Deb 07 March 1984 vol 55 cc593-4W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if there is a correlation between the United Kingdom balance of trade in manufactures and the United Kingdom balance of trade in non-manufactures, including oil.

Mr. Butcher

There is no necessary correlation over a long period. In recent years, however, exports of North sea oil and imports of manufactures increased rapidly and these movements are reflected in the balance of trade in non-manufactures and manufactures.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if his Department is concerned about trends in the various component parts of the total United Kingdom balance of trade.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

It is neither necessary nor desirable to have a surplus on every commodity. Overall,

Environment, which administers the relevant legislation, ways in which the apparent loophole in the Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Act 1951 giving rise to this situation may be closed.