HC Deb 08 November 1978 vol 957 c233W
Mr. Gould

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the latest figures

1 2 3 4 5
1975=100 Relative export prices Relative normal unit labour costs Import price competitiveness Relative profitability of exporting Terms of trade in manufactures
1977—
1st quarter 97.9 88.7 93.9 96.5 98.1
2nd quarter 101.6 88.2 96.3 96.8 99.6
3rd quarter 103.3 88.2 96.1 96.6 101.0
4th quarter 107.0 92.2 96.6 96.7 102.8
1978—
1st quarter 110.0 95.6 97.6 97.0 103.7
2nd quarter 104.1* 90.7* 95.8 96.1 102.6
3rd quarter n.a. n.a. 95.7 95.5 102.8
* Treasury estimates.

The indices are as defined in the Treasury economic progress report in February 1978. For the first three indices a fall represents an improvement in competitiveness. For the fourth index a fall represents an improvement in the profitability of exports relative to domestic sales. For the fifth index a fall represents a deterioration in the terms of trade.

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