asked the Minister for Finance the estimated trade loss for 1983 and the estimated loss of revenue to the Exchequer because of the effects of cross-Border traffic on all retail and catering businesses in the country and particularly along the Border.
Written Answers. - Cross-Border Traffic.
138.
There is no estimate available of the trade and revenue losses for particular commodities or services attributable to cross-border purchases for 1983. However, revisions to the balance of International Payments and the National Accounts, published recently, give an estimate of expenditure by visitors to Northern Ireland under the heading "Tourism and Travel" (Item 4 of Table 1) of £35 million for 1983. A further estimate is included under "merchandise" (Item 1 of Table 1) for abnormal cross-Border expenditure on goods in 1983, of £75 million.