HC Deb 19 March 1997 vol 292 c629W
20. Mr. McAllion

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's overall deficit on total trade in goods in the years(a) 1993, (b) 1994 and (c) 1995. [19462]

Mr. Nelson

In each year since 1994 the deficit in trade in goods has been just over 1.5 per cent. of gross domestic product, down from 2 per cent. in 1993. Between 1974 and 1978 the deficit averaged 3 per cent. of gross domestic product.

31. Mr. McAvoy

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's overall deficit on trade in goods for the years 1993, 1994 and 1995. [19475]

Mr. Nelson

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the Member for Dundee, East (Mr. McAllion) earlier today.

32. Ms Rachel Squire

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's overall deficit on trade in goods in recent years. [19476]

Mr. Nelson

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the Member for Dundee, East (Mr. McAllion) earlier today.

Mrs. Bridget Prentice

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the deficit in trade in goods in(a) 1995 and (b) 1996. [19461]

Mr. Nelson

The deficit in trade in goods in both 1995 and 1996 was 1.7 per cent. of gross domestic product. Overall, the balance of payments current account is close to balance and at its strongest for a decade.