§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the level of the UK deficit in the balance of traded goods in each of the last seven years. [186211]
§ Ruth KellyThe information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Kenneth Clarke, dated 22 July 2004
As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question on the United Kingdom's deficit on trade in goods. (186211)
The following table shows the latest estimates for the UK balance of trade in goods. The figures shown are consistent with the published Balance Payment "Pink Book". The balance of trade in goods is the value of goods exported less the value of goods imported.
Balance of trade in goods (£ million) 1997 -12,342 1998 -21,813 1999 -29,051 2000 -32,976 2001 -40,648 2002 -46,675 2003 -47,290