§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about the premium levels set for British manufacturers by the Export Credits Guarantee Department; and if he has plans to enable the ECGD to lower its premium rates.
§ Mr. SainsburyI have received a number of representations about Export Credits Guarantee Department premium rates from project and capital goods exporters. The ECGD reviews its premium rates regularly, taking into account representations which have been made to Ministers, the rates of other export credit agencies, and the risks to the taxpayer that premium income may not be able to cover underwriting losses.