HC Deb 08 March 2004 vol 418 cc1280-1W
Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the Export Credits Guarantee Department's maximum liability was in each financial year since 1998–99(a) in the passenger aircraft sector, (b) in the renewable energy sector excluding large hydro-energy and energy from waste technologies, (c) in the non-renewable energy sector, (d) for exports to the United States, (e) in the defence aircraft sector and (f) for large hydro-energy exports. [151681]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

ECGD does not categorise its business precisely in line with the question but, from information available, ECGD's maximum possible liability on future amounts at risk at the end of each of the Financial Years for the categories listed was as set out in the table.

It is important to note that maximum liability is not the actual amount of cover.

Mr. Mike O'Brien

[holding answer 4 March 2004]: ECGD had not received a copy of the Human Rights Watch report at that time.

Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment the Export Credits Guarantee Department made of the social, environmental and human rights impact of the Dabhol Power Project before it provided overseas investment insurance to banks for investing in the project; if she will place in the Library the relevant documentation; and if she will make a statement. [158567]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

[holding answer 4 March 2004]: ECGD did not at the time have a policy on social, environmental and human rights impact assessment. As a result, no such assessment was carried out.

Following the publication of its Business Principles in December 2000, ECGD's assessment of projects now takes into account the Government's international policies, including those on sustainable development, environment and human rights.

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