HC Deb 04 June 1996 vol 278 c345W
Mrs. Roche

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 20 May,Official Report, column 52, how many (a) unconditional on-demand bonds, (b) performance bonds, (c) parent company guarantees, (d) advance payment bonds and (e) retention bonds were required by his Department in the last five years. [31228]

Mr. Arbuthnot

In line with central Treasury advice, this Department does not seek unconditional on-demand bonds. With regard to categories(b) to (e), our centrally held records show there to be almost 200 current guarantees and indemnities in place dated since 1 January 1991. Our records do not differentiate between the categories as requested. An indemnity or guarantee provided under category (c) could cover (b), (d) and/or (e). More specific information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.