§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Trade to what legislative or policy factors he attributes the increase in non-industrial staff in the Export Credits Guarantee Department from 1,642 on 1st March 1974 to 1,800 on 1st July 1975 and then to 1,851 on 1st October 1975.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe increase is mainly due to substantial growth in ECGD's workload coupled with improved recruitment. Liabilities assumed by the Department grew from just under £8,000 million at 1st April 1974 to nearly £11,000 million at 1st July 1975. ft is also due to the development of new facilities, such as cost escalation insurance introduced under the Export Guarantees (Amendment) Act 1975, and the measures announced in the House on 20th February and 15th April relating to performance bonds and preshipment finance.