EXPORT CREDITS GUARANTEE DEPARTMENT

Early day motion 622, tabled 26 July 2010 by Helen Goodman (Labour). Signed by 198 members.

That this House believes that the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) should take account of factors beyond the purely financial when deciding on the merits of export credits; is concerned that some cases are now exempt from environmental, human rights and social impact assessment and that, in practice, the absolute ban on child and forced labour has been removed; expresses regret that many developing countries are still paying off large debts for projects that were of no benefit to recipients or which fostered corruption; recognises that the ECGD could stimulate the positive export of green and pro-poor technologies and services; and urges the Government to conduct a thorough review of the ECGD, audit all outstanding ECGD debts, support the adoption and enforcement of stronger impact standards and to prevent the ECGD supporting projects that do not add value to recipient countries or contribute to poverty reduction or social and human development.

Signatures by party: Labour 133, Liberal Democrat 35, Conservative 16, Scottish National Party 4, Plaid Cymru 3, DUP 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Alliance 1, Green 1, Independent 1.