HC Deb 15 March 1984 vol 56 c231W
Mr. Gould

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, further to the answer on 22 February, Official Report, column 534, whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing what effect trade in oil has had on the overall trading position together with an estimate of the reduction in imports and increase in exports which resulted from the slowing down of economic activity.

Mr. Channon

Such information as is available is given in table A1 of the "Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics".

Mr. Gould

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, further to the answer on 22 February, Official Report, column 534, whether he expects a large surplus on overall trading in the current year; and what are the prospects for imports and, in particular, imported manufactures.

Mr. Channon

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his "Financial Statement and Budget Report" projected a surplus on current account of £2 billion for 1984. Imports of goods and services are projected to rise by 7 per cent. between 1983 and 1984 in volume terms.

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