§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Technology on what date an inquiry was begun to ascertain the reasons for the discrepancy between manufacturers' recorded deliveries of machine tools for exports and the figures contained in the Overseas Trade Account; on what date the inquiry is expected to conclude; if its findings will be published; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BennSince the two sets of figures are derived from different sources and compiled by different methods, some variation is to be expected. My Department has for some time, however, been concerned at the size of the discrepancy, and has been trying to account for it. One important factor is that the Overseas Trade Accounts show f.o.b. figures, whilst manufacturers' returns are based on cost ex-works. Certain steps are being taken to improve the information on which our published figures are based, and we shall continue to keep the matter under review.