To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the present availability of export assistance to United Kingdom companies trading with eastern Europe.

A range of services is available under the enterprise initiative including support for outward missions and participation in overseas trade fairs, the provision of general information on overseas markets and answers to specific questions about market opportunities. The services are available through the country sections of my Department or our network of regional offices.Export Credits Guarantee Department credit insurance cover for medium-term business—ie on credit term of two years or more—is available for Czechoslovakia and Hungary. Short-term cover is now provided by the private sector.