asked the Minister for Trade if he will give the change in value and volume in exports, and the movement in the visible balance of trade, over the last three years.

In the three years ending 1980, which was the last year for which complete data are available, exports rose by 49 per cent. in value and 8 per cent. in volume. The visible balance of trade moved from a deficit of £2·3 billion to a surplus of £1·2 billion. With permission, I shall circulate the detailed figures in the Official Report.

I am grateful to my hon. and learned Friend for those figures. Does he agree that they are especially encouraging in view of the deep world