§ Mr. MALONEasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the total 1909W sum available for guaranteeing credits under the Export Credits Scheme; how much is now outstanding; and how much is still available?
§ Mr. GILLETTUnder the Statutes governing the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme, the aggregate amount outstanding at one time may not exceed £26,000,000. The amount used or in use on 31st December last was £4,828,079; the amount available on that date was therefore £21,171,921.
§ Mr. MALONEasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what is the maximum length of credits which have been granted under the export credits scheme; what are the terms; what fees or charges are now made; and by whom are they fixed?
§ Mr. GILLETTThe longest period of credit which has been agreed to under the Export Credits Guarantee Scheme is five years. As regards the second and third parts of the question, the terms on which guarantees are given and the premiums charged vary with each transaction. They are fixed after consultation with the Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. MALONEasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the names of the committee responsible for administering the export credits scheme: what are their qualifications; and whether the number of the members on this committee is limited?
§ Mr. GILLETTWith regard to the first and second parts of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to replies which I gave to questions put to me by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton West (Mr. W. J. Brown) on 4th November, and the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. R. Taylor) on 9th December, copies of which I am sending him. With regard to the last part of the question, there is no statutory limit-to the number of members of the Advisory Committee.