HC Deb 22 March 1973 vol 853 c158W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the latest balance of payments position.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Visible export figures in January and February were 15 per cent. up on the monthly average in the second half of last year. Imports rose rather more slowly, with net invisible earnings now running at about £700 million a year, the average deficit on current account in January and February was about £20 million compared with a monthly average of £26 million in the second half of last year.