§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Trade what errors have occurred in the publishing of departmental statistics for foreign trade in iron and steel in 1974 ; and if he will take steps to improve the accuracy of statistics and the promptness of their publication.
§ Mr. Deakins :Errors affecting a number of headings for steel products in 1974 248W occurred through the use of wrong units of quantity in the original import and export documents submitted to Customs. Trade and Industry of 28th February 1975—page 559—carried a statement about corrections needed to figures in the December issue of the Overseas Trade Statistics.
I am aware of the need for the prompt publication of accurate figures, and my Department and Customs are co-operating in seeing that appropriate action is taken.