§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will extend the cost escalation insurance scheme to cover the exports of small firms; and if he will make a statemen.
§ Mr. Peter ReesNo. The scheme is designed to assist the special problems of exporters undertaking large and lengthy capital projects overseas. But I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to the fact that as a result it benefits indirectly many classes of small firms acting as suppliers and sub-contractors to the principal exporters.