§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will consider modifying the export credits guarantee scheme to support the issue of performance bonds to help smaller exporters.
§ Mr. MeacherIn the light of a further year's experience of operating the scheme, and following consultation with the banks, I have decided to reduce the £500,000 qualifying limit for eligible contracts. In future ECGD bond-issue support will be available for export contracts on cash or near-cash terms with a value of £250,000 or more.