HL Deb 01 February 2005 vol 669 c32WA
Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 12 January (WA 69), whether H M Treasury allowed for over-reporting of United Kingdom exports to the Netherlands and Belgium due to some of those exports being transshipped, within the port areas of Rotterdam and Antwerp, to vessels destined for countries outside the European Union (the "Rotterdam-Antwerp Effect"). [HL935]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Lord McIntosh of Haringey)

The Office for National Statistics produces its trade statistics in accordance with international guidelines. The statistics are based on data collected by HM Customs and Excise. When the information on trade flows is collected, exporters are explicitly asked to state the final destination of the goods which are being exported.