Written question asked by Daniel Kawczynski (Conservative) on Friday, 6 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 January 2006. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Thursday, 26 January 2006 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Biwater

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if the Government will act as insurer of last resort to Biwater through the Export Credit Guarantee Department after the company's losses in the Dar Es Salaam water system contract.

Answer: I have been asked to reply.In June 2003, the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) provided Overseas Investment Insurance cover to Biwater for their City Water, Dar Es Salaam water and sewerage contract.It is not possible at this stage to say whether the reported action of the Tanzanian authorities will result in any claim against ECGD. If Biwater does submit a claim, ECGD will examine it under the terms of its Overseas Investment Insurance policy and the Department would only pay a claim if it was satisfied that it was liable under the policy.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 441 c2396-7W; 40774
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Contracts Export credit guarantees Biwater Water companies Tanzania
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk