HC Deb 06 December 1989 vol 163 cc291-2W
28. Mr. McCartney

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects British manufacturing trade to be in balance with(a) West Germany and (b) the rest of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The Government are committed to free trade as being in the best interests of the United Kingdom. We cannot expect this to produce a trade balance with every partner; nevertheless, the Government recognise the importance of continuing to encourage exports through the activities of the British Overseas Trade Board.

53. Mr. Dunnachie

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects British manufacturing trade to be in balance with(a) West Germany and (b) the rest of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Redwood

The Government are committed to free trade as being in the best interests of the United Kingdom. We cannot expect this to produce a trade balance with every partner; nevertheless, the Government recognise the importance of continuing to encourage and support exports through inter alia the activities of the British Overseas Trade Board and ECGD.

62. Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects British manufacturing trade to be in balance with(a) West Germany and (b) the rest of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Redwood

The Government are committed to free trade being in the best interests of the United Kingdom. The Government recognise the importance of continuing to encourage exports through the activities of the British Overseas Trade Board, including the recent successful Focus Germany Campaign. It is also pressing to open the financial services markets throughout the European Community which should help the British financial service sector and increase our invisible exports.