HC Deb 12 December 1997 vol 302 cc718-9W
Sir Richard Body

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the value of claims made on Export Credits Guarantee Department funds related to arms sales in each of the last three years; and what was the total value of claims relating to arms sales in each of those years. [12725]

Mrs. Roche

ECGD does not use the term "arms" to identify business. Records are maintained on a buyer basis and any business with a Defence Ministry is described as "defence related". This can cover a wide range of equipment and services.

From the information currently available the claims figures on defence related business are as follows:

Total value/Percentage
Financial year 1994–95
Total value of claims paid on Defence related business: £133.2 million
Value of claims paid on Defence related business as a percentage of total claims paid: 32 per cent.
Financial year 1995–96
Total value of claims paid on Defence related business: £107.3 million
Value of claims paid on Defence related business as a percentage of total claims paid: 36 per cent.
Financial year 1996–971
Total value of claims paid on Defence related business: £49.7 million
Value of claims paid on Defence related business as a percentage of total claims paid: 21 per cent.
1 Figures for 1996–97 are currently being audited.

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