HC Deb 26 July 1990 vol 177 cc416-7W
Mr. Cash

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) in assessing the public sector costs of maintaining the Export Credits Guarantee Department's project group operations, what account is taken of spin-off benefits derived from overseas projects, employment and contributions to tax revenues;

(2) what provision will be made in Export Credits Guarantee Department credit cover in the future for high-risk markets; and at what rates of premium.

Mr. Sainsbury

[holding answer 20 July 1990]: The cost and availability of ECGD cover for project exports will be determined under the new portfolio management system. The PMS is intended to inform decisions on project exports so that the national interest reasons for giving support including spin-off benefits are properly weighed against the financial risks to ECGD and the taxpayer. The Government still have a number of decisions to take before PMS is operational.