HC Deb 07 December 1981 vol 14 c273W
Mrs. Renee Short

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will list the amount of the trade deficit or surplus for electronics products for each year since 1974.

Mr. Peter Rees

Exact information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The following figures for the crude balance of trade include most electronics products together with related electrical and other equipment.

Crude deficit (£ million)
1974 218
1975 11
1976 48
1977 85
1978 232
1979 440
1980 379

Notes:

(a) the crude balance (in this case deficit) of trade is the difference between exports valued f.o.b. and imports valued c.i.f.

(b) the figures correspond to the following Minimum List Headings in Business Monitor MQ.10 (Overseas Trade Analysed in Terms of Industries): 363, 364, 365/2, 366 and 367.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he has considered seeking to amend the Restrictive Trade Practices Act to encourage companies that have complementary information to collaborate in the production of new products in the electronics industry.

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.