§ Mr. WoodcockTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what credit financing assistance is available to British exporters of consumable commodities; and what information he has as to what assistance is available to comparable United States exporters.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe normal credit insurance facilities of the Export Credit Guarantee Department are available in respect of consumable commodities. Such cover may be used as collateral for export finance in the commercial market. The terms on which such goods are sold do not normally exceed six months but where there is evidence of official support for more favourable terms, the Department is prepared to consider matching such terms. The United States institutions provide broadly the same type of credit insurance support. In addition, the United States Government, through its Commodity Credit Corporation, makes substantial aid available for the purchase by developing countries of certain commodities, notably agricultural products, on highly concessional terms.