§ 25. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what factors he attributes the decline in the United Kingdom's share of manufactured exports and the trend of the United Kingdom's export performance in comparison with other European manufacturing nations.
§ Mr. PattieOur share of world exports of manufactured goods reflects a variety of factors including both price and non-price competitiveness and the geographical and commodity composition of our exports. United Kingdom exports of manufactures were again at record levels last year since 1981 the United Kingdom volume share of main manufacturing countries' exports of manufactures has been maintained, halting years of decline.
§ 33. Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he next intends to meet the Confederation of British Industry to discuss the trade deficit in manufactured goods.
§ Mr. Giles ShawMy right hon. Friend meets the CBI regularly at the National Economic Development Council and on other occasions. At present he has no plans for a special meeting on this subject.
§ 50. Mr. Cunliffeasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will indicate the nature and size of the current deficit in the balance of trade in manufactured goods.
§ Mr. Giles ShawIn the first two months of 1987, there was a deficit in trade in manufactures of £0.5 billion.