HC Deb 13 July 1988 vol 137 cc261-2W
27. Mrs. Wise

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on measures being proposed to reduce Britain's visible trade gap.

Mr. Alan Clark

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.

52. Mr. Macdonald

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's visible trade gap.

Mr. Alan Clark

In the five months ended May 1988 there was a deficit on visible trade of £7 billion.

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