HC Deb 24 June 2002 vol 387 cc683-4W
Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 10 June 2002,Official Report, column 978W, on export finance, if she will list (a) the project name, (b) the country location, (c) the capacity in MW, (d) the estimated carbon emissions and (e) the value of the loan guaranteed for the seven coal-fired power stations for which the ECGD has provided Overseas Investment Insurance and other insurance. [63324]

Ms Hewitt

It is ECGD policy not to publish details of cases involving Overseas Investment Insurance or other insurance facilities. This is to protect ECGD's own operations as there is a risk that knowledge by the buyer of the presence of export related insurance may increase the risk of action that may lead to a claim being paid. Details of insurance are also commercially sensitive on the part of the UK exporter or investor, as the presence of investment or export related insurance may harm their relationship with their buyer, local partner or the host Government. The same sensitivities do not apply so much to ECGD's guarantee or finance facilities as by nature these are usually more complex products and all parties will generally be aware of the presence of ECGD support. This approach is consistent with that adopted by export credit agencies in other countries.

According to information already published the insurance cases in respect of seven coal-fired power stations involved a total capacity of 4,960 MW and annual CO2 emissions of approximately 17.9 million tonnes per year.