§ 35. Mr. Jayasked the Secretary of State for Trade what was United Kingdom visible trade balance in manufactured goods with the original EEC Six in 1970, 1978 and in the current year at an annual rate in the latest period for which figures are available.
§ Mr. ParkinsonThe United Kingdom had a crude trade surplus in manufactured goods with the EEC (6) of £161 million in 1970, and a deficit of £2,552 million in 1978. Figures for 1979 have been distorted by the effects of industrial action. The published deficit in the first quarter is £927 million. Because of the distortions, which are likely to over-state the underlying position, I do not consider that the conversion to an annual rate is meaningful.