asked the Secretary of State for Trade what he estimates to be the net contribution to the balance of payments for the most recent year for which full figures are available of British vessels trading entirely overseas between foreign ports, and British aircraft between foreign airports.

The information requested is not available. However, the gross earnings from "cross trades" of British owned and operated vessels engaged partly or entirely in carrying cargo and passengers between foreign ports were approximately £630 million in 1973. The corresponding earnings of British owned and operated aircraft are estimated to have been £115 million.