HC Deb 14 October 1968 vol 770 cc57-8W
Mr. Thornton

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of total visible trade between the United Kingdom and Hong Kong was represented by United Kingdom exports during the first half of 1968 and 1967; and what were the comparable figures for the whole of 1967, 1966 and 1965.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

The following is the information:

UNITED KINGDOM TRADE WITH HONG KONG
United Kingdom Exports as a percentage of United Kingdom Exports (f.o.b.), plus imports (c.i.f.)
1965 48
1966 45
1967 41
January-June, 1967 44
January-June, 1968 39

Mr. Thornton

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to arrest the deterioration of the United Kingdom's balance of visible trade with Hong Kong.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

The Board of Trade, together with the British Trade Commission in Hong Kong and the B.N.E.C. Asia Committee, continue to do all they can to increase our exports to this important market, by encouraging and assisting exporters to exploit the opportunities open to them. Support is given to missions, trade fairs and store promotions and help is given to individual exporters.