§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he is satisfied with the basis on which the figures for the level of industrial stocks for the third quarter of 1963, indicated in the Board of Trade Journal No. 3482 of 13th December were calculated; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HeathYes. The provisional figures of stock changes in the third quarter are subject to amendment as later returns from contributing companies are received, but I am satisfied that they provide a reliable indication of some considerable fall in the volume of stocks after allowing for seasonal factors.
§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he will recommend to the National Economic Development Council that the changes in the level of industrial stocks for the third quarter of 1963, indicated in the Board of Trade Journal No. 3482 of 13th December should be taken into account when assessing likely import trends in 1964, their consequential effect on the balance of payments and the general economic conditions in which an incomes policy will be expected to operate.
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§ Mr. HeathThe estimates of the changes in stocks are, like other important economic series, available to the National Economic Development Council.