17. To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the UK trade balance was with other European Union countries in the latest period for which figures are available. (128966)

The UK deficit on trade in goods and services with the EU25 was £37.9 billion in 2005 (the latest period for which a complete set of figures is available).

The ONS caution that following a change in the pattern of trade associated with MTIC Fraud, interpretation of the breakdown between EU and non-EU trade is more difficult.

Total UK exports (goods + services) were £326 billion in 2005—up 9 per cent. on 2004.

The stock of inward investment in the UK rose to £483 billion at the end of 2005, a rise of £119 billion over the stock at the end of 2004.