HC Deb 28 May 2004 vol 422 c27W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what account is taken of offset deals when deciding(a)whether and (b)to what extent Export Credits Guarantee Department support should be offered in defence contracts. [176219]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

Offset transactions normally take the form of procuring exports from or investments in the overseas' purchaser's country. These are entirely commercial arrangements between the contractor and the overseas purchaser and would not influence ECGD's decision on support for a defence, or any other, contract.

ECGD's policy on support for specific transactions falling within a UK company's offset obligations is covered in a previous answer on 23 May 2002, Official Report,column 479W.

Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what Export Credits Guarantee Department support was given to(a)defence and (b)aerospace exports to the Czech Republic in the five years up to 31 March. [176220]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

None.