HC Deb 17 March 1967 vol 743 cc175-6W
Mr. Thornton

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that over the last three years United Kingdom imports from Canada were more than double the United Kingdom exports to Canada; and what action he proposes to take to redress this adverse balance of trade.

Mr. Jay

Imports (c.i.f.) from Canada in 1966 fell to £425 million from £458 million in 1964 and 1965. Exports and re-exports (f.o.b.) to Canada have been steadily rising—£194 million in 1964, £208 million in 1965 and £223 million in 1966. Thus the deficit fell from £264 million in 1964 to £202 million in 1966.

We are engaged in an intensive export promotion drive towards Canada, which reaches a culmination this year with three major British trade manifestations, including a full scale British week in Toronto in October. I hope that a further increase in our exports to Canada will be achieved this year.

Mr. Thornton

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of imports from Canada is subject to United Kingdom import duties; and what percentage of United Kingdom exports to Canada is subject to Canadian import duties.

Mr. Darling

About 4 per cent. and 33 per cent. respectively.