§ Mr. HendryTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the balance of trade in(a) food products and (b) meat products for the last 12 months for which figures are available. [20774]
§ Mr. MorleyI have been asked to reply.
The table shows the value of UK trade in total food, feed and drink (including meat and meat preparations) between October 2000 and September 2001.
£ million Imports Exports Meat and meat preparations 2,727 491 Dairy products and eggs 1,282 620 Fish and fish preparations 1,404 747 Cereals and cereal preparations 1,216 1,214 Fruit and vegetables 4,230 413 Sugar, sugar preparations and honey 779 362 Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices 1,103 605 Feedingstuffs for animals 775 298 Miscellaneous edible products 838 604 Alcoholic drinks 2,845 3,218 Oil seeds, oleaginous fruits, oils, fats and waxes 836 153 Total 18,034 8,724 Note:
Figures are given on the 'Overseas Trade' basis. Exports are valued `free on board' and imports are valued 'cost insurance freight'. Thus for imports into the UK, the cost of transportation between the port or place of despatch and the port of entry into the UK is included and as a result of the value of imports are overstated relative to exports by about 5 per cent.
Source:
HM Customs and Excise