Distributive Trades

Mr. Sainsbury
asked the Minister for Trade what recent assessment he has made of the value of the distributive trades to the economy; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Sproat
I regard it as of great importance that the value of the distributive trades to the economy should be acknowledged fully. It is being realised increasingly that providing goods makes no inherently greater contribution------
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Note: Visible trade figures for 1981 have been delayed by the Civil Service dispute. Import figures will be published on Monday 2 August. It is not yet known when the export figures will be available.