HC Deb 27 May 1976 vol 912 cc351-2W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the average monthly trade deficit in the 12 months ended October 1974; and what is the comparable figure for the latest 12 months for which figures are available.

Mr. Meacher

The average monthly visible trade deficit in the 12 months ended October 1974 was £410 million, seasonally adjusted on a balance of payments basis. The comparable figure for the 12 months ended April 1976 was £224 million.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the trade deficit with the EEC in the 12 months before Great Britain joined; and what is the total for the last year.

Mr. Meacher

In 1972 our visible trade deficit, on a balance of payments basis, was £583 million. In the year ended March 1976 the corresponding deficit, seasonally adjusted, was £2,153 million.