§ Sir Nigel Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the gross and net export figures achieved by the British pharmaceutical industry for the year 1978 and the percentage increases as compared with 1977.
§ Mr. MoyleOverseas Trade Statistics for Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Products (SITC 541) show exports of pharmaceutical preparations—including some organic pharmaceutical chemicals—dressings, dental materials and reagents valued at £655 million in 1978, an increase of 18 per cent. over 1977. Corresponding imports were valued at £201 million, an increase of 15.7 per cent. The resulting favourable balance in United Kingdom trade for 1978 of £454 million was an increase of 192 per cent. over 1977.