§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates to be the average percentage effect of the rise from 140 to 187 in the sterling-dollar exchange rate, on the income received for manufactured goods exported from Britain to the United States of America in the last quarter of 1987 and the first quarter of 1988.
§ Mr. MajorThe effect of exchange rate changes on the value of exports depends on a number of factors and is difficult to separate from other determinants of trade performance. In the three months to February 1988—the latest period for which published figures are available — the value of total exports of goods to the United States was 2½ per cent. higher than in the previous three months.
Consumers' expenditure estimates—Current prices £ million 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 Books 619 665 706 806 911 Records etc1 691 790 895 1,062 1,239 Cinema 124 104 132 142 150 Other admissions2 1,635 1,819 2,065 2,401 2,658 Newspapers and magazines 1,967 2,095 2,334 2,431 2,594 Catering (meals and accommodation)3 10,439 12,015 13,306 15,297 17,571 Alcoholic drink 13,370 14,430 15,783 16,474 17,338 Betting and gaming 1,841 1,969 2,114 2,250 2,458 Social etc. subscriptions4 150 163 159 177 174 Leisure goods except records etc. and on pets5 2,566 2,796 3,109 3,451 3,799 TV licences, hire and repairs 2,027 2,108 2,307 2,527 2,640 1 Also includes audio and video tapes. 2 Has broadly similar coverage to theatres, live arts and spectator sports. 3 Besides all meals purchased and consumed away from the home, includes hotel and residential accommodation. 4 Includes subscriptions to sports clubs. 5 Includes sports goods, toys, camping equipment, plants and seeds, photographic films and processing.