HC Deb 24 February 1983 vol 37 cc478-9W
Mr. Weetch

asked the Minister for Trade (1) whether he will make alternative arrangements for cover in respect of those exporting firms with existing and future contractual commitments in respect of cover for trade with Cuba, through the Export Credits Guarantee Department;

(2) whether he will reinstate immediately limited types of cover for firms exporting to Cuba which need protection solely against payment default.

Mr. Peter Rees

No.

Mr. Weetch

asked the Minister for Trade if he will reverse his decision to restrict cover arrangements with regard to trade with Cuba through the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

Mr. Peter Rees

No. Full cover will be restored when Cuba is in a position to service its debts.

Mr. Weetch

asked the Minister for Trade what is the saving to public funds of the restrictions on cover through the Export Credits Guarantee Department relating to trade with Cuba.

Mr. Peter Rees

Unquantifiable.

Mr. Weetch

asked the Minister for Trade what representations he has received regarding the restrictions on Export Credits Guarantee Department cover to Cuba concerning existing and future contracts relating to industrial exports; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Rees

Very few.

Mr. Weetch

asked the Minister for Trade how many exporters are affected by the restrictions on cover by the Export Credits Guarantee Department relating to trade with Cuba.

Mr. Peter Rees

The precise number is not known, but is probably less than 120.

Mr. Weetch

asked the Minister for Trade (1) what consultations he had with the Confederation of British Industry over the restrictions on cover by the Export Credit Guarantee Department in respect of trade with Cuba;

(2) what consultations he had with chambers of commerce over the restrictions placed on cover by the Export Credits Guarantee Department in respect of trade with Cuba.

Mr. Peter Rees

None.