§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary on the level of imports of manufactured goods into Wales. [136383]
§ Mr. TouhigMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales regularly meets the First Minister. In addition, I have regular bi-lateral meetings with the National Assembly for Wales's Economic Development Minister and discuss a wide range of issues, including trade levels of manufacturing goods in Wales.
The level of exports for manufacturing goods in Wales since May 1997 to the quarter ending 2002 has been consistently higher than the level of imports to Wales.
Current available statistics point to a continuation of this trend.
Source
Her Majesty's Customs and Excise? UK Regional Trade Statistics.