Speech at Norwich European Information Centre ("we really have far too many imports")

Document type:	Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue:	Norwich, Norfolk
Source:	Eastern Daily Press, 24 May 1990
Editorial comments:	Between 1310 and 1440. The Centre was run by the Norwich and Norfolk Chamber of Commerce. See also Remarks visiting Norfolk.
Importance ranking:	Minor
Word count:	359
Themes:	Industry, Trade

Thatcher warns industry

Another disappointing set of trade figures yesterday prompted a warning to industry from Mrs Thatcher who was visiting Norwich.

The Prime Minister said too many consumer goods were being bought from overseas and it was up to businesses in Britain to compete with foreign companies.

“Exports are doing very well, but we really have far too many imports, and that is what is causing the imbalance.

“I hope that our manufacturers will make a determined effort to meet the demand for goods in this country,” she said.

“Too many consumer goods are still being purchased from overseas when we could compete very well, both in quality and price, in this country.”

The Prime Minister's comments came as she opened the European Information Centre at the Norwich Chamber of Commerce in Barrack Street.

Her black Jaguar was greeted by a small group of jeering protestors who shouted abuse about the poll tax as she arrived at 1.15pm.

Mrs Thatcher said she was pleased to be opening the centre and stressed that such information points were more important in this country than in Europe because British people were not as good at languages as their Continental colleagues.

Mrs Thatcher said: “This really is a marvellous thing. I am sure that the centre will greatly help those who want to find out more about trade in Europe.”

She added that young people would have the opportunity to go into business in any country in Europe once the single market was established in 1992. The Prime Minister was met by David McCall, president of the Chamber, and Alex Millar-Brown, director, before being shown into the European Information Room where she watched a computerised mail service in action.

She then unveiled a commemorative plaque and gave a short speech to the sponsors of the centre before eating a lunch of melon and cold poached salmon with members of the Chamber council.

The European Information Centre—one of 20 being established across the UK—is intended to provide help for British companies in East Anglia wishing to expand into Europe and link local companies with trading partners on the Continent.