HC Deb 24 February 1959 vol 600 cc135-6W
78. Mr. Leburn

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that foreign contracts are being lost to continental competitors where credit terms are involved, owing to the rigidity of the Export Credits Guarantee Department demanding that certain minimum figures shall be reached to qualify for two and three year credit terms, respectively; and whether he will issue instructions that greater flexibility be practised in regard to otherwise approved accounts.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

The Exports Credits Guarantee Department is entirely flexible in this matter. If a contract is otherwise acceptable for insurance, the Department is normally prepared to put United Kingdom exporters in a position to match credit terms offered by foreign competitors. I should be pleased to look into any cases where my hon. Friend considers the Department has not acted in this way.