§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the latest available figures for the balance of trade with China. [9028]
700W(2) what is his estimate of the cost of running his departmental office, and that of his predecessor, for each year since 1990–91 including the current year, broken down into (a) telephone bills, (b) total staff costs, (c) press and communications, (d) entertainment, (e) alcoholic drinks, (f) non-alcoholic drinks, (g) stationery, (h) office refurbishment and (i) other. [6403]
§ Mr. LangThe total running cost of the DTI ministerial organisation, including Ministers' offices, parliamentary branch and the office of the permanent secretary, is as follows. Figures for the office of the President of the Board of Trade are also shown.
§ Mr. OppenheimIn the 12 months ended November 1995, UK exports to China were worth £0.8 billion while imports were worth £1.9 billion, resulting in a crude trade deficit of £1.1 billion.