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Manufactures

Volume 974: debated on Friday 30 November 1979

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asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will circulate in the Official Report a table showing the surplus on trade in manufactures in each year since 1972 after adjustment to bring it to present prices, the corresponding terms of trade for manufactures, and the relative export prices, the relative volume of exports and imports based on 1970 and the United Kingdom share of world trade in manufactures.

The information is as follows:Africa held by the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom for each year in the five years to the latest convenient date.

The information is as followsBritain's share of trade with developing countries in Africa; and if he will make a statement.

I am glad to say that our share of trade with these countries has increased, not declined, over the past few years. The Government, of course, offer a wide range of services to assist those exporting to Africa—and elsewhere—including the facilities provided by the British Overseas Trade Board, and Export Credits Guarantee Department, and Her Majesty's diplomatic missions overseas. I believe that the services provided to exporters by the British Government compare favourably with those provided by Governments elsewhere.