HC Deb 21 June 1989 vol 155 c179W
75. Mr. Orme

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if any changes are planned in the collection of trade statistics after 1992.

76. Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if any changes are planned in the collection of trade statistics after 1992.

Mr. Maude

A proposal for an EC Council regulation, which sets out a revised methodology for the collection of trade statistics between member states of the European Community after 1992 to replace the current procedure based on Customs documentation, has been prepared by the EC Commission and will be considered by EC Ministers later this year.

The Government are seeking to ensure that the collection of these statistics does not impose unnecessary burdens on businesses who are involved in trade between member states and who will be required to provide the relevant data. Recently, this Department has started a consultation exercise seeking the views of trade associations and industry on the possible impact of the proposal.

Statistics of trade with countries outside the European Community will continue to be collected as at present.