§ Mr. Ron Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the increase or decrease in the first quarter of 1977 in volume terms of (a) British exports and (b) imports into Great Britain of finished and semi-finished manufactured goods.
§ Mr. MeacherFollowing is the information:
VOLUME OF UNITED KINGDOM EXPORTS AND IMPORTS (Overseas trade statistics basis) Percentage Change† Q1 1977 on Q4 1976 Exports Imports* Finished manufactures -2½ +3½ Semi-manufactures +2½ +2½ † Based on seasonally adjusted data. * The percentage changes for imports are likely to be overstated as a result of difficulties in allowing fully in the seasonal adjustment for the effects of the 1976–77 Christmas/New Year holiday period. Exports are probably little affected. Source: Tables B13 and E7 of the April issue of "Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics".