India (Hansard, 3 November 1997)

§ Mr. Vaz
To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the current level of trade between Britain and India. [13922]

§ Mrs. Roche
In 1996, trade in goods and services between Britain and India was worth £4.1 billion, 7 per cent. higher than a year earlier. The value of UK exports of goods and services increased by 1.5 per cent. to £2.1 billion while UK imports rose by 14 per cent. to £2.0 billion.

§ Mr. Vaz
To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she next plans to visit India. [13925]
45W

§ Mrs. Beckett
I shall be visiting India from 16–18 November this year.

§ Mr. Vaz
To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the current level of staffing at the India desk of her Department. [13923]

§ Mrs. Roche
Currently 13 people are allocated to the India desk.

§ Mr. Vaz
To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will estimate how many British firms have offices in India. [13924]

§ Mrs. Roche
Although no precise information is available, it is estimated that there are at least 300 British firms with offices in India.