§ Sir R. Russellasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the reason for the decrease in United Kingdom exports to South Africa in the first four months of 1968, compared with the corresponding period of 1967, resulting in an adverse balance of trade; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CroslandSouth African imports from the United Kingdom and indeed all sources were exceptionally high in the first four months of 1967 following a relaxation of import controls. The reduction in our exports this year is in line with the reduction in South African imports from all sources.
The main reason for the less favourable balance of trade during the four months was unusually large imports into the United Kingdom (both by volume and value) of maize, fruit and vegetables, ores and metal scrap.