§ Mr. AustinTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the loans underwritten by Her Majesty's Government to companies implicated in the current criminal trial concerning bribery and corruption in Lesotho. [127078]
§ Mr. Caborn[holding answer 20 June 20001Charges have been laid against various consortiums involved in the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Kier International, Stirling International, Balfour Beatty, and Kvaerner Boving are UK members of consortiums involved in the project. All deny having been involved in any malpractice.
From records readily available the following loans have been underwritten by Her Majesty's Government through, ECGD, to these companies:
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For the 12-month period ending 31 March 2000, LFC completed 115 projects resulting in 5,440 jobs created and 1,035 safeguarded.
From 3 July 2000, responsibility for inward investment in London will pass to the Mayor and the London Development Agency.