§ Mr. Richard Pageasked the Secretary of State for Trade how many pencils were imported into the United Kingdom in 1976 and 1977; and if he will express this figure as a percentage of the United Kingdom's production in these two years.
§ Mr. MeacherThe information is as follows:
Millions 1976 1977 Imports of pencils* 89 115 Imports as percentage of United Kingdom production† 37.0 46.8 * Pencils encased in wood or in a rigid paper sheath. † United Kingdom production data relate to sales of pencils, including coloured pencils, by United Kingdom manufacturers employing 25 or more persons.