§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will state for visibles and invisibles the annual trade between the United Kingdom and Iran for each year since 1979; and what actions are being taken to increase this.
§ Mr. Redwood[holding answer 24 November 1989]: Data on United Kingdom trade in services are not available by partner country. Visible United Kingdom imports from and exports to Iran were as follows:
Year Imports1 Exports £ million £ million 1979 380 232 1980 142 393 1981 198 403 1982 307 334 1983 102 631 1984 476 703 1985 147 526 1986 94 399 1987 237 308 1988 172 248 19892 215 179 1 Country of Origin. 2 To 30 September 1989. Source: Overseas Trade Statistics.
Despite the absence of diplomatic relations, the Department of Trade and Industry remains ready to assist British companies wishing to export to Iran as far as it can.