§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the United Kingdom trade deficit in manufactures, less precious stones, in the first four months of 1983 at an annual rate; and if he will assess how much of this was due to (a) the increase in the rate of exchange, (b) free trade with other European Community countries and (c) other causes.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe figures requested are set out in the table below. It is not possible to assess the effects of the factors listed without making assumptions about what the alternatives were.
102W
Visible trade balances—balance of payments basis £ million seasonally adjusted Manufactures Balance Div 66*Balance Manufactures excluding Div 66* Balance January to April 1983 -1,000 -48 -952 1983 year estimated (January-April ×3) -3,000 -144 -2,856 * Standard International Trade Classification, Division 66.