HC Deb 23 July 1990 vol 177 cc40-1W
Mr. Henderson

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the balance of trade in(a) telecommunications operating services and (b) telecommunications equipment supply in each year since 1979.

Mr. Forth

[holding answer 19 July 1990]: Information on the balance of trade in telecommunications operating services is not available. The information for the equipment supply industry is given in the table.

Balance of trade in Activity Heading 3441—Telegraph and Telephone Apparatus and Equipment
£ million
1979 +50
1980 +27
1981 +36
1982 +19
1983 -43
1984 -51
1985 -71
1986 -146
1987 -276
1988 -357
1989 -245

Source: Business Monitors MQ10.

Mr. Henderson

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of telecommunications equipment sold in the United Kingdom is imported.

Mr. Forth

[holding answer 19 July 1990]: Twenty-eight per cent. in the 12 months ending March 1989.