HL Deb 01 July 1974 vol 353 cc5-6

2.42 p.m.

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government to what extent there has been a departure from the convention and practice in accordance with which Ministers do not intervene in the exercise by the Export Credits Guarantee Corporation (in consultation with the Advisory Council and subject to Treasury consent) of their commercial judgment in giving guarantees; and whether they will state the countries and classes of goods and services affected by such intervention.

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, there has been no change either in convention or practice regarding the availability of facilities from the Export Credits Guarantee Department since the present Administration took office. Any uncertainty arose from unfounded Press reports.

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, while very much welcoming that Answer, may I ask the noble Lord whether there has been any cancellation of exports, or would-be exports, to any country as a result of the refusal of a guarantee from the Export Credits Guarantee Department which was induced by the Government?

LORD BESWICK

Not to my knowledge, my Lords. But I hesitate to give an absolutely categorical assurance, because I am not certain what question the noble Lord has asked. There may have been some cancellation, but not because there has been any change so far as the relationship between the Government and the E.C.G.D. is concerned.

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, if I may put the question a little more bluntly, have the Government brought pressure to bear at any time on the Export Credits Guarantee Department not to give guarantees in respect of certain classes of goods or to certain countries?

LORD BESWICK

The answer to that is, "No" my Lords.