Written question asked by Alan Simpson (Labour) on Friday, 29 October 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 November 1999. It was answered by Richard Caborn (Labour) on Thursday, 4 November 1999 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will place in the Library the minutes of meetings of the Export Guarantee Advisory Council.

Answer: Mr. Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library the minutes of meetings of the Export Guarantee Advisory Council. [97105] Mr. Caborn: The Export Guarantees Advisory Council (EGAC) primarily provides advice on the Export Credits Guarantee Department's country risk assessments and cover policy proposals. The minutes of the EGAC are not published because these assessments contain frank analysis of the political and economic prospects of many of our trading partners, disclosure of which could be market sensitive. Public disclosure of the minutes could also inhibit the frank discussion of the risk assessments and thus reduce the quality of independent advice provided by Members.

Secondary information