European Union (Balance of Trade)

HC Deb 25 March 2004 vol 419 c960W

16. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the balance of trade with the European Union was in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what the balance was(a) five and (b) 10 years ago. [163448]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

In the year to the third quarter of 2003, the UK's balance of trade in goods and services deficit with the European Union was 2.5 per cent. of GDP. In 1998 and 1993 the deficits were 0.7 and 0.9 per cent. respectively. In 1988 it was 3.7 per cent.