§ Mr. Proctorasked the Minister for Trade if he will make a statement on British trade with the People's Republic of China.
§ Mr. Peter ReesIn 1979 and 1980 Britain was in surplus in its trade with China. Complete figures for 1981 are not yet available, but the most recent monthly figures have shown a marked surplus in China's favour. The decline in our exports to China since the high levels of 1979 and 1980 may reflect in part the effect of China's current policy of economic readjustment. China remains an important potential market for the medium and longer term and both the British and Chinese Governments wish to encourage the development of trade. China's priority sectors of energy, transport, communications, light industry and agriculture are among those offering greatest potential for an expansion of British exports.