§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department have had with government representatives from(a) Armenia, (b) Azerbaijan, (c) Georgia and (d) Russia on the issue of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline project; when these discussions took place; what the result of these discussions was; and if she will make a statement. [128067]
§ Mr. TimmsRepresentatives from the prospective lenders to the project, including the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD), met Government representatives from Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey during a trip to the pipeline transit countries in July 2003. Discussions centred mainly on the Host Government Agreements (HGAs) entered into separately between the three countries and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Company. ECGD is now awaiting information from the relevant Governments about the drafting of the HGAs.
An ECGD business principles expert also took part in a trip to the region in June 2003, where he met the Georgian Minister of Environment.
ECGD has had no discussions with Government representatives from Armenia or Russia.
Representatives of TradePartners UK have from time to time had meetings with Government representatives from Azerbaijan at which the project has been discussed.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what Government assistance has been sought by BP for the Baku-Tblisi-Ceyhan pipeline project; what assistance has been granted; and if she will make a statement. [128082]
§ Mr. TimmsThe project Sponsors, led by BP, have approached the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) regarding cover for the supply of UK goods and services, and for UK investments related to the 357W project. Cover will be provided only if ECGD are satisfied that the relevant environmental, social and human rights impacts have been properly addressed and that the financial and project risks are acceptable.