HC Deb 10 February 1988 vol 127 cc249-50W
24. Mr. McCartney

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what has been the increase in United Kingdom producer prices and manufactured import prices in the latest year for which data are available.

Mr. Alan Clark

United Kingdom output producer prices for manufacturing increased by 3.8 per cent. and manufactured import prices by 4.2 per cent. between 1986 and 1987.

52. Mr. Clay

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his latest estimate for the balance of trade in manufactured goods for the current year and 1989.

Mr. Alan Clark

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Autumn Statement forecast that there would be a deficit in trade in manufactures of £9 billion in 1988. A new forecast will be published at the time of the Budget.

70. Mr. George Howarth

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the increase in manufactured imports and manufactured exports between 1979 and 1987.

Mr. Alan Clark

Between the years 1979 and 1987 imports of manufactures, on a balance of payments basis, increased in value by £39.8 billion (141 per cent.) to reach £68.1 billion while exports rose by £29.9 billion (96 per cent.) to £60.8 billion. The corresponding increase by volume was 62 per cent. for imports of manufactures and 25 per cent. for exports.

76. Mrs. Mahon

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the latest estimate of the deficit on manufactured trade in 1987.

Mr. Alan Clark

For the year 1987 the deficit in trade in manufactures was provisionally estimated to be £7.3 billion.