HC Deb 27 March 1985 vol 76 cc218-9W
35. Mr. Hayward

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the balance of trade with eastern Europe.

Mr. Channon

Provisional statistics for 1984 show that the United Kingdom had a deficit of £333 million in its trade with eastern Europe, excluding the Soviet Union. The deficit in 1983 was £70 million. Exports increased from £501 million to £568 million while imports rose from £571 million to £902 million. Just over three quarters of the deficit was incurred on fuels, mainly petroleum and petroleum products.