§ Mr. Wardasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether potential export orders are lost to firms in the United Kingdom owing to their inability to finance performance bonds; and whether he will consider special assistance to such firms similar to the facilities available to ex-exporters in Germany, Japan and the United States of America.
§ Mr. MeacherI do not believe that worthwhile export orders are being lost to firms in the United Kingdom because of their inability to finance performance bonds. Since February 1975 the Export Credits Guarantee Department has provided a scheme to support firms in the provision of such bonds. Inquiries as to the support available to exporters in other countries, including Germany, Japan and the United States of America have shown that this scheme is at least equal to that provided by any of them.