§ Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of the negative balance in trade in goods was with the EU(a) in the most recent annual period for which figures are available, (b) in 1994, (c) in 1984 and (d) in 1974. [177760]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienIn 2003, the EU 15 countries accounted for 46 per cent. of the UK's total trade deficit in goods with the world. In 1994 the EU 15 countries accounted for 41 per cent., in 1984 55 per cent. and in 1974 42 per cent.
However, these figures taken in isolation do not fully reflect the importance to the UK economy of our trade with the EU.