§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what studies he has undertaken through his overseas project fund with Knight Piésold Consulting Engineers about increasing United Kingdom trade with South America.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe DTI has awarded to Knight Piésold one grant under the overseas projects fund. This was to assist with the costs of preparing a feasibility study. Details of these grants are commercially confidential. Where appropriate in accordance with scheme rules, grants are repaid.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to improve ECGD terms to South American countries.
§ Mr. NeedhamI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 12 July 1994,Official Report, columns 513–14, about the credit cover given to Latin America by the United Kingdom and the United Kingdom's major industrial competitors.
I assure the hon. Gentleman that we keep the terms and conditions of ECGD support under close review, to ensure that these are the best possible in the context of the prevailing economic and political conditions in each market.