HC Deb 03 November 1997 vol 300 cc44-5W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the current level of trade between Britain and India. [13922]

Mrs. Roche

In 1996, trade in goods and services between Britain and India was worth £4.1 billion, 7 per cent. higher than a year earlier. The value of UK exports of goods and services increased by 1.5 per cent. to £2.1 billion while UK imports rose by 14 per cent. to £2.0 billion.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she next plans to visit India. [13925]

Mrs. Beckett

I shall be visiting India from 16–18 November this year.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the current level of staffing at the India desk of her Department. [13923]

Mrs. Roche

Currently 13 people are allocated to the India desk.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will estimate how many British firms have offices in India. [13924]

Mrs. Roche

Although no precise information is available, it is estimated that there are at least 300 British firms with offices in India.

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