§ 44. Mr. McAvoyTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the cumulative balance of trade for the last 12 months; and what measures are being taken to improve it.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkIn the 12 months ended May, the current account was in deficit by £7.1 billion. The trade balance can be affected by a variety of market factors, but the Government will stick to the firm monetary and fiscal policies essential to strong economic performance. Wherever practicable my Department is ready to give assistance to firms seeking to improve their competitive strength and trade performance, as, for example, through the recently introduced enterprise initiative.