HC Deb 03 May 1984 vol 59 c188W
11. Mr. Lyell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the improvement in the pound sterling in the balance of trade in agricultural and food products since 1979.

Mr. MacGregor

The total value of exports of food, feed and alcholic drinks rose by nearly half from £2.7 billion to £3.9 billion between 1979 and 1983. Over the same period the value of imports rose by about a fifth from £6.8 billion to £8.2 billion.