§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection to what extent she estimates that the 67 per cent. increase in the volume of United Kingdom import of nickel tubes and pipes in the first four months of 1974 as compared with the first four months of 1973, and the 46 per cent. increase in the volume of exports of these materials was due to an artificial inflation 113W of trade in both directions caused by the Price Commission's control on domestic profit margins, to the detriment of the United Kingdom payments balance; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection to what extent she estimates that the 300 per cent. increase in the volume of imports of miscellaneous nickel manufactures in the first four months of 1974 as compared with the first four months of 1973 and the 215 per cent. increase in the volume of exports of these materials over the same period was due to an artificial inflation of trade in both directions caused by the Price Commission's control on domestic profit margins to the detriment of the United Kingdom payments balance; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaclennanFluctuations in trade patterns can occur for many reasons. In my right hon. Friend's review of the Price Code she is considering whether such fluctuations in particular sectors are connected with the existence of price controls on the United Kingdom domestic market.