§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Minister of Trade to what extent the increase in imports of semi-manufactures from the first quarter of 1981 onwards has to do with the rebuilding of stocks; and what is the degree of import penetration in the industries concerned in the latest quarter compared with 1975 and 1977.
§ Mr. Peter ReesImports of semi-manufactures are influenced by a number of factors among which are the level of domestic activity and stocks and the competitive360W position of United Kingdom industry. It is not possible to quantify the effects of these influences separately nor to disaggregate the effects for individual industries. Owing to the incompleteness of the overseas trade figures in 1981, it has not yet been possible to compile comprehensive import penetration figures for periods later than 1980.