§ Mr. Watsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why the London telephone number of the Export Credits Guarantee Department is always engaged or subject to long delays before being answered.
§ Mr. ChannonECGD's London telephone facilities are provided by a modern electronic branch exchange and include provision for direct dialling to individuals and the automatic redirection of calls if a number is engaged or the intended contact is not available. The Department is unaware of any general difficulties with calls handled through the switchboard itself. If my hon. Friend has had a particular problem and gives me details, I shall have the matter investigated further.