HC Deb 25 October 1976 vol 918 cc15-6W
Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many of the eight contracts for overseas construction work referred to in the answer by the Under-Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Melton on 5th July have now reached the stage of contract award; how many were won by British firms; and what was the total value of any successful tender.

Mr. Clinton Davis

The contract award stage has been reached on one of the projects concerned. It has not been won by a British firm.

Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will list the additions to, or changes in, published material by his Department of information relating to construction export opportunities as a result of recommendations made by the Construction Exports Advisory Board since December 1975.

Mr. Clinton Davis

My Department has discussed with the Construction Exports Advisory Board and its constituent associations the provision of information on construction export opportunities and in the light of their advice is sending a special circular to Diplomatic Service posts overseas about the export interests and commercial intelligence requirements of the construction and allied industries and emphasising the importance to them of the earliest practicable intelligence on potential export opportunities.

Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what specific changes have been made in the risk cover or financial facilities available from the ECGD to construction firms seeking overseas work as a result of recommendations made by the Construction Exports Advisory Board since December 1975.

Mr. Meacher

I have not received any recommendations from the CEAB for changes in ECGD facilities.

Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many of the 78 overseas construction projects referred to in the answer by the Under-Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Melton on 5th July which had not then reached contract award have since done so; and how many of them have been won by British firms.

Mr. Clinton Davis

The contract award stage has been reached on three of the projects concerned. None has been won by a British firm.