§ Mr. Skeetasked the Minister for Trade what are the main changes that have taken place in the pattern of trade between the United Kingdom and Romania over the past 10 years.
§ Mr. Peter ReesAlthough levels of exports and imports between the United Kingdom and Romania have increased gradually over the last 10 years, in real terms the United Kingdom's trade with Romania has not expanded at the same rate as with the rest of the world. The United Kingdom has regularly sold plant and machinery to Romania, and, more recently, coal, coke and aircraft. Imports from Romania have traditionally included clothing, furniture, shoes, wood and cork products, food, machinery and, more recently, some railway locomotives and increasing quantities of light petroleum oil. Trade statistics for the period 1971–1980 (the latest complete year for which figures are available) are as follows:—
incurred (a) prior to 1945, (b) between 1945 and 1973 and (c) between 1973 and the latest date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneI have been asked to reply.
267WThe principle amount outstanding of Government guaranteed Romanian debt is in the region of $250 million. Outstanding unguaranteed claims by United Kingdom registered banks amounted to $592 million at the end of 1981. In addition there may be other commercial credit outstanding. Information is not available on when the debts were incurred