Written Answers. - Export Credit Insurance.
Avril Doyle
Question:
105
Mrs. Doyle
asked the
Minister for Tourism and Trade
the possible outstanding liability to the taxpayer for export credit insurance cover to Iraq; the plans if any, there are to restore cover to Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As far as the State is concerned, there is no liability in respect of Iraq at the present time.
There are no plans at present to restore export credit insurance cover to Iraq.
Avril Doyle
Question:
106
Mrs. Doyle
asked the
Minister for Tourism and Trade
the countries for which export credit insurance cover exists; the amount of cover for each country; the firms currently covered for each country; and the amount of each firm's cover; and if he will give details of any claims that have been paid to companies under this insurance since and including 1987.
The countries for which cover is currently available under the export credit insurance scheme operated by my Department are as follows:
Algeria
American Samoa
Andorra
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Bermuda
Brunei
Canada
Cape Verde
China
Colombia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
French Overseas Dependencies:
Guadeloupe
Martinique
Mayotte
Reunion
French Guyana
French Polynesia
St. Pierre and Miguelon
New Caledonia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Iran
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kenya
Korea South
Kuwait
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta and Gozo
Mexico
Monaco
Morocco
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Portuguese Continental and Overseas Zones:
Azores
Macao
Madeira
Puerto Rico
Qatar
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Spanish Continental and Overseas Zones:
Canary Islands
Balearic Islands
Cueta and Melilla
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America
Uruguay
Venezuela
Western Samoa.
In any case, the provision of cover would be subject to assessment of the individual exporter's application, taking account of such factors as the level of cover set for the particular country, and, in some cases, the length of the credit period.
Some countries are not included in the above list because of factors such as the lack of demand for cover or a low level of trade. Applications in respect of countries not listed are considered on a case by case basis.
With regard to the amount of cover set for individual countries, it is not the practice to disclose the information, which is sensitive in the context of bilateral relations with the country concerned.
It is not the practice to disclose the names of companies availing of export credit insurance, or the amount of cover given in an individual case. This is confidential information relating to the commercial operation of the companies involved, and its disclosure would be inappropriate.
Net claims, i.e. gross claims less recoveries, paid in the period 1987-1993 (inclusive) totalled £38.2 million.
