HC Deb 17 January 1990 vol 165 cc302-3W
24. Mr. Faulds

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to visit Cardiff to inspect the work of the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

68. Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to visit Cardiff and inspect the work of the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

Mr. Ridley

My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Trade has already visited Cardiff. I intend to do so shortly.

52. Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration he gave to EC requirements in reaching his decision to privatise the Export Credits Guarantee Department; if he will list them; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ridley

In arriving at its decision on ECGD's future status and organisation, referred to in the written answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastwood (Mr. Stewart) on 18 December 1989, the Government were particularly concerned by the need(a) for ECGD to be able to respond effectively to the business opportunities created by the single European market; and (b) to ensure that ECGD would be able to maintain its intra-EC business in the event that the future development of Community law made the continued provision of Government support for short-term trade credit within Europe impossible.

If ECGD's insurance services group is to maintain and continue the improvements in performance and service for customers made over the past three years, the Government believe that it must be free to compete with all other insurers in Europe and that this can best be done by converting it into a private sector company.

29. Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make it his policy to ensure no loss or transfer of employment at the Insurance Service Group headquarters at Export Credits Guarantee Department ensues from the Export Credits Guarantee Department's privatisation announced on 18 December.

Mr. Ridley

I believe that the changes that I have announced offer the best prospects of securing jobs for the future. I do not expect any significant change in the numbers employed in ECGD Cardiff as a result of the change of status. Thereafter the number of people in the organisation will depend mainly on its success in expanding its business.

27. Mr. John Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the future of the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

75. Mr. McWilliam

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the future of the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

111. Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the future of the Export Credits Guarantee Department

Mr. Ridley

In relation to the Kemp review of status options for ECGD, I have received representations from United Kingdom exporters, banks, trade associations, ECGD's staff and their representatives and other interested parties.