§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether there is any difference between the method of compiling the figures for United Kingdom trade given in the Eurostat Monthly External Trade Bulletin and those given in the Overseas Trade Statistics.
§ Mr. FletcherAll statistics of United Kingdom trade are compiled from declarations made to HM Customs and Excise by importers and exporters, or their agents. Figures included in the Overseas Trade Statistics refer to goods which have crossed the United Kingdom geographical frontier, and are on a "country whence consigned" basis.
Figures in the Eurostat Monthly External Trade Bulletin refer to goods which have entered into free circulation and/or home use, and are on a "country of origin" basis.