§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade how much of the 1965 fall in Great Britain's trade deficit was due to increased exports; if he will apportion that fall between Great Britain's trade with northern and southern Europe, respectively; and, as a consequence, what plans he has to increase the export trade between Scotland and northern European markets in order still further to reduce that deficit.
§ Mr. MasonThe United Kingdom trade deficit fell by about £270 million in 1965, to half the 1964 rate. The big rise in exports of some £300 million far exceeded the small rise in imports. Figures of the crude trade balance show a moderate improvement in the balance of trade with Scandinavia and Finland and a deterioration of a similar size in the balance with the rest of Europe. As to increasing export trade between Scotland and northern Europe, I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the Answer given to him on 13th December, 1965.