§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what payments were made by the Export Credit Guarantees Department for claims relating to Iraq since 1990; and if she will make a statement] [105189]
§ Ms HewittThe current value of claims paid by ECGD since 1 January 1990 on Iraq is £630.5 million.
§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with the United States Agency for International Development on potential contracts for reconstruction projects in Iraq; and if she will make a statement. [105981]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 31 March 2003]: I have discussed post-conflict issues with Andrew Natsios of USAID. We discussed ways in which UK companies could best contribute to the future development of Iraq for the benefit of the Iraqi people. HMG is not in this for business opportunities. But UK companies would have much to offer in terms of knowledge and expertise, which could make a substantial contribution to the redevelopment of Iraq's essential infrastructure.