§ Mr. Marlandasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what steps are being taken to protect the interests of exporters throughout the United Kingdom who are facing delays in payment from Zambia;
(2) what steps are being taken to protect the interests of exporters throughout the United Kingdom who are facing delays in payment from Sierra Leone;
(3) what steps are being taken to protect the interests of exporters throughout the United Kingdom who are facing delays in payment from Tanzania.
§ Mr. Channon[pursuant to his reply, 28 March 1984, c. 181]: Each of these countries suffers from an acute shortage of foreign exchange. We take every opportunity to make the Governments concerned aware of the effects of non-payment on exporters, and on business confidence generally. Sierre Leone and Zambia have both concluded agreements with the International Monetary Fund which includes conditions for reductions in external payment arrears. Tanzania's discussions with the fund are still continuing.