HC Deb 12 April 1994 vol 241 cc110-1W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the Exports Credits Guarantee Department observes any rules, or guidance similar, or equivalent to, the "good government" rule of the Overseas Development Administration.

Mr. Needham

The ODA's "good government" objective, alongside other objectives for the aid programme, is specifically designed to assist the ODA's decision making process.

The ECGD's function is to support United Kingdom exporters bidding for commercial contracts overseas by providing insurance and guarantees against the risks of non payment. In assessing these risks ECGD takes account of the economic and political circumstances of the markets in question as well as the credit worthiness of the individual buyers and borrowers concerned. It is a condition of the ECGD's guarantees that the exporter must obtain all necessary licences and authorisations for the exports to proceed.