asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the United Kingdom's share of world trade in manufactures in 1981, measured by volume and value, respectively; and how it compared with 1980.

Preliminary estimates suggest that the United Kingdom share in 1981 was 8·7 per cent. by the value and 7·3 per cent. at 1975 prices. These compare with 1980 figures of 9·7 per cent. and 7·9 per cent. respectively.