§ Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of exports, imports, and total overseas trade in the first quarter of 1970; what is now the annual percentage rate of increase in overseas trade; how this compares with the increase in world trade overseas; and what are the current national and world trends in overseas trade.
§ Mr. Mason:United Kingdom exports and imports were £1,949 million f.o.b. and £2,148 million c.i.f., respectively. Between 1968 and 1969, United Kingdom exports of manufactures grew by 16 per cent., compared with an increase in world exports of manufactures of 17 per cent. The rates of growth of both United Kingdom exports and world trade appear to have moderated in the latter part of last year.