HC Deb 31 October 1990 vol 178 cc568-9W
155. Mr. Douglas

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the current United Kingdom balance of trade.

Mr. Norman Lamont

In the third quarter of this year the United Kingdom's visible trade deficit was £3.8 billion. This compares with £5.2 billion in the previous quarter and £6.6 billion a year earlier.

153. Mr. Roy Hughes

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reduce the size of Britain's trade deficit.

156. Mr. Frank Field

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reduce the size of Britain's trade deficit.

157. Mr. Snape

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reduce the size of Britain's trade deficit.

Mr. Norman Lamont

There are clear signs that the visible trade deficit is falling as domestic demand pressures ease. In the third quarter of 1990, the UK's visible trade

Average pre-tax income and post-tax income per tax unit by region, 1978–79
£ per annum
Region Average pre-tax income per tax unit Difference in pretax income compared with South East Average post-tax income per tax unit Difference in post-tax income compared with South East
North 4,500 460 3,660 270
Yorkshire and Humberside 4,610 350 3,760 170
North West 4,430 530 3,620 310
East Midlands 4,410 550 3,590 340
West Midlands 4,670 290 3,800 130
East Anglia 4,510 450 3,670 260
South East (including Greater London) 4,960 — 3,930 —
South West 4,420 540 3,610 320
Wales 4,320 640 3,540 390
Scotland 4,480 480 3,630 300
Northern Ireland 4,230 730 3,440 490
United Kingdom 4,650 (310) 3,750 (180)

Average pre-tax income and post-tax income per unit by region, 1987–88
£ per annum
Region Average pre-tax income per tax unit Difference in pre-tax income compared with South East Average post-tax income per tax unit Difference in post-tax income compared with South East
North 10,700 2,300 9,030 1,470
Yorkshire and Humberside 11,000 2,000 9,170 1,330
NorthWest 10,700 2,300 9,000 1,500
East Midlands 11,200 1,800 9,440 1,060
West Midlands 11,100 1,900 9,330 1,170
East Anglia 11,800 1,200 9,830 670
South East (including Greater London) 13,000 — 10,500 —
South West 10,800 2,200 9,030 1,470
Wales 10,700 2,300 8,990 1,510
Scotland 10,600 2,400 8,940 1,560
Northern Ireland 10,900 2,100 9,100 1,400
United Kingdom 11,600 (1,400) 9,600 (900)