HC Deb 14 November 1977 vol 939 cc3-4W
Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles

asked the Secretary of State for Trade why the Export Credits Guarantee Department is allowing a maximum credit of 180 days for Chile, in the light of the fact that foreign firms competing with British industry for orders in Chile can obtain five years credit cover.

Mr. Meacher

Export Credits Guarantee Department cover for exports to Chile has been restricted to short-term credit transactions since 1972, when the Chilean Government defaulted in respect of its commercial debts. A large part of the substantial claims payments met by the Department at that time still remains to be recovered but the situation is being kept under constant review.