HC Deb 19 May 1993 vol 225 c223W
31. Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the change in the level of imports over the last 12 months.

Mr. Needham

In 1992, the volume of imports increased by 5.9 per cent.

With the completion of the single market at the end of 1992, routine border requirements and formalities were abolished for trade within the European Community. Customs declarations—the source of trade statistics until December 1992—are no longer required. A new system is being introduced but, at present, it is not possible to provide figures for trade with the European Community for January 1993 onwards.

In the 12 months to March 1993, the volume of imports from non-EC countries increased by 8.9 per cent.