HC Deb 26 February 2001 vol 363 cc418-9W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what level of cover the Export Credits Guarantee Department has provided for the Vishakhapatnam project in Andhra Pradesh; on what date this cover was provided; and if he will make a statement. [151205]

Mr. Byers

No cover has been provided by ECGD for the Vishakhapatnam project in Andhra Pradesh.

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on which dates(a) he, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) officials in the Export Credits Guarantee Department held meetings with (i) the HNP Corporation and (ii) International Power regarding the Vishakhapatnam project in Andhra Pradesh; if he will place the minutes of such meetings in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [151206]

Mr. Byers

ECGD was actively engaged in development of the Vishakhapatnam project from 1994 onwards, with a concentration of meetings and commercial negotiations with the Hinduja National Power Corporation Ltd. (HNPCL) and its legal advisers between December 1997 and December 1999. HNPCL is a joint venture consisting of the Hinduja Group and National Power. International Power evolved from National Power in October 2000.

It is not the normal practice of the Government to release details of meetings or discussions with private individuals or companies. Similarly, under Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information it is not appropriate to place in the Library the minutes of such meetings which record positions given in confidence by commercial entities.

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date and by which organisation the Export Credits Guarantee Department was first approached for export cover for the Vishakhapatnam project in Andra Pradesh; and if he will make a statement. [151207]

Mr. Byers

The Vishakhapatnam project was first proposed in 1993 and generated preliminary inquiries from National Power Plc, interested bankers and potential UK power equipment suppliers during 1994 and 1995.

National Power joined with the Hinduja Group to form Hinduja National Power Corporation Limited ("HNPCL"), sponsors of the project. HNPCL first approached ECGD for a formal indication of support for the UK element of the project on 8 September 1995.