HC Deb 20 July 1987 vol 120 cc84-5W
Mr. Holt

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the total value of furniture imports at 1986 equivalent prices in (a) 1970, (b) 1979, (c) 1983, (d) 1984, (e) 1985 and (f) 1986; and what were the equivalent figures for production of United Kingdom manufactured furniture.

Mr. Alan Clark

Information at 1986 equivalent prices for previous years is not available. United Kingdom furniture production figures for 1970 are not available. Imports of furniture, as defined by the standard international trade classification, division 82; and, United Kingdom furniture production figures, as defined by the standard industrial classification, activity headings 3166, 4671 and 4836 for the years(a) to (f) are shown in the following table: (1986 import figures are provisional)

£ million
Year Imports United Kingdom production
1970 15.6 n.a.
1979 253.8 2,180
1983 490.4 2,470
1984 591.6 2,710
1985 662.8 2,960
1986 776.0 3,210

Source: Imports — Overseas Trade Statistics United Kingdom production—DTI.

n.a. not available.

Mr. Dolt

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much furniture by value at 1986 prices has been imported from Third world and far east countries in each of the years 1974, 1979, 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986.

Mr. Alan Clark

Information by value at 1986 prices is not available for previous years. There is no recognised country grouping designated "Third World". Imports of furniture, as defined in the standard international trade classification, division 82, from the "Other Developing Countries" group, Japan and China for the years requested was as follows:

£ million
1974 7.0
1979 16.1
1983 35.1
1984 35.0
1985 28.8
1986 37.8

Note:1986 figures provisional.

Source:Overseas Trade Statistics.