HC Deb 04 May 1976 vol 910 cc358-60W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will give an assurance that the Export Credits Guarantee Department will not be used in future to finance further orders for military equipment for Chile.

Mr. Meacher

Export Credits Guarantee Department cover for any business with Chile is severely restricted at present and, in the case of military equipment, would depend on the issue of export licences. As my right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs replied on 21st May 1975, no new export licences are being granted for arms to Chile with the exception of spares and equipment relating to existing contracts.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps have been taken by the Export Credits Guarantee Department to recover unpaid debts incurred by Chilean firms or the Chilean Government from the Chilean Government.

Mr. Meacher

As my right hon. Friend the then Paymaster General has previously informed the House—[Vol. 905, c.127; Vol. 908, c. 493]—we have formally approached the Chilean Government on a number of occasions about payments of the debts due in 1975 to the United Kingdom. Some of these payments are coming through. We shall continue to press the Chilean Government to pay these debts in full.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Trade why public funds are used to subsidise the purchase of military equipment by Chile.

Mr. Meacher

I will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.