HC Deb 12 February 1998 vol 306 c394W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the level of trade between Britain and Sri Lanka. [28594]

Mrs. Roche

In 1997, trade in goods between the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka was worth £485 million, 28 per cent. higher than the previous year. The value of UK exports of goods increased by 42 per cent. to £211 million, while UK imports increased by 18 per cent. to £275 million. Information on trade services with Sri Lanka is not available.

Information on UK trade in goods with Sri Lanka over the last five years is given in the following table:

£ million
UK exports UK imports Crude balance
1993 126 142 -16
1994 154 186 -32
1995 156 206 -50
1996 148 232 -84
1997 211 275 -64