§ Mr. Mikardoasked the Secretary of State for Trade why, in view of the fact that it is possible for a Japanese company to obtain unconditional ECGD-covered financing for sales in third countries, similar facilities are provided in 454W Japan for a British company only on condition that it will work with a Japanese company; and whether he will instruct ECGD to ensure reciprocity by covering finance for Japanese companies only on the same conditions as Japanese export credit is available to British companies.
§ Mr. DeakinsAs is laid down in the Export Guarantees Act 1975, ECGD facilities are available to or for the benefit of persons carrying on business in the United Kingdom. This includes the operations from the United Kingdom of overseas companies. ECGD cover is, of course, mainly provided for United Kingdom goods and services. We are making further inquiries into Japanese practices, but my present understanding is that the facilities available in Japan for United Kingdom companies carrying on business there are broadly similar.