§ Mr. Hayesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has reached his conclusions on the Export Credits Guarantee Department management review.
§ Mr. ChannonYes. I welcome the proposals in the management review for internal reorganisation and radical changes in ECGD's methods of operation which will now be put into effect. These will lead to improved efficiency and a better service for exporters. I also agree with the review's conclusion that ECGD needs an injection of commercial experience from the private sector. I am not, however, convinced that the proposed board represents the best way of achieving this. I intend to strengthen the top management during the implementation period by the filling of a fifth Under-Secretary' post, bringing the Department back to its previous level, and to fill, over a period of time, three Under-Secretary posts at ECGD by secondments from the private sector.