§ Mr. Patrick Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has yet received the report of the committee chaired by Sir Peter Matthews 235W which has been reviewing the structure, functions and status of the Export Credits Guarantee Department; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonThe Committee's report has now been made and my right hon. Friend is considering its contents. I have arranged for the report to be published today and copies have been placed in the Library of the House. Her Majesty's Government will be formulating their response to the report's recommendations over the coming months, and will of course welcome the views of other interested parties, which it would be helpful to have by 1 July. I would like to pay tribute to the committee's work in producing a clear and constructive report.