HC Deb 13 July 1988 vol 137 c267W
48. Mrs. Mahon

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his latest estimate of the trade deficit for the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

In the 12 months ended May, the current account of the balance of payments was in deficit by £7.1 billion.

66. Mr. McCartney

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster with which European Economic Community countries Britain is currently running a trade deficit.

Mr. Alan Clark

In the 12 months to May 1988 United Kingdom visible trade was in deficit with the following EC member statesFederal Republic of Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Denmark, Belgium-Luxembourg and Portugal.

83. Mr. Haynes

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the cumulative trade deficit over the past 12 months; and what steps are being taken to improve it.

87. Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the cumulative trade deficit over the past 12 months; and what steps are being taken to reduce it.

Mr. Alan Clark

In the 12 months ended May, the current account was in deficit by £7.1 billion. The trade balance can be affected by a variety of market factors, but the Government will stick to the firm monetary and fiscal policies essential to strong economic performance. Wherever practicable my Department is ready to give assistance to firms seeking to improve their competitive strength and trade performance, as, for example, through the recently introduced enterprise initiative.

100. Mr. Morgan

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the cumulative trade deficit so far in the current year.

Mr. Alan Clark

In the five months ended May, the current account of the balance of payments was in deficit by £4.7 billion.