HC Deb 07 November 1989 vol 159 cc522-3W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the percentage rate of growth of imports year by year from 1984 to 1989 of(a) capital goods and (b) consumer goods.

Overseas Trade Statistics basis
Percentage change on previous year:
1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
(a) Capital goods 18 7.0 1.5 11.0 24 121
(b) Consumer goods (including passenger motor cars) 3 2.5 9.0 8.5 16 117
1 1989 figure is the first 9 months of 1989 over the same period in 1988.

Excluding the more erratic items—ships, North Sea installations and aircraft.