§ Mr. Frank R. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for Trade how many complaints he has received from British companies concerning the loss of export contracts due to foreign Governments offering credit facilities greater than the United Kingdom Government.
§ Mr. DeakinsI have received very few complaints during the last year concerning the loss of export business as a result of foreign governments supporting better terms than are available from the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Frank R. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will take retaliatory action against those countries which offer credit facilities that breach the general agreement on international credit facility levels.
§ Mr. DeakinsIt remains Government policy to participate in international negotiations to achieve greater control over export credit competition. It is also established policy that the ECGD will consider matching officially supported credit facilities offered by our overseas competitors. This includes any breaches of international agreements or understandings. There are well-established systems of international prior consultation and exchange of information, which 273W generally work well. Where appropriate we take up any breach of these arrangements very strongly.