§ 79. Mr. MadelTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether his Department is planning to make any changes in the way United Kingdom trade figures are presented after the completion of the European single market in 1992; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe presentation of United Kingdom trade statistics after the completion of the European single market in 1992 has yet to be decided. Member states are currently involved in discussions with the European Communities' statistical office about possible alternative methods of collecting the figures if Customs' documentation—the current source of the figures—should disappear with the removal of customs boundaries.
It is hoped that a draft proposal for a method of collecting trade statistics after 1992, to be applicable in all member states, will be available later this year.