To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what account the Export Credits Guarantee Department takes of (a) the social and environmental impacts of proposed projects, (b) the domestic policies of the partner government and (c) the partner government's international commitments on (i) climate change, (ii) biodiversity and (iii) sustainable development when determining its commitment to projects; and if he will make a statement. (201446)

ECGD's business principles state that ECGD will:

“screen applications for cover to identify, and then analyse, any adverse or beneficial environmental, social or human rights aspects of relevant projects”

and

“determine the acceptability of applications for cover, taking account of appropriate external standards”.

The implementation of the business principles in relation to environmental issues is described further in ECGD's case impact analysis process (CIAP), which is published on the ECGD website. The CIAP states that:

“In processing applications for support, ECGD will also take account of applicable (UK) Government policies and initiatives on the environment, sustainable development, and human rights.”

Host country requirements are taken into consideration in processing applications for ECGD support. ECGD will normally seek to apply the higher of relevant domestic requirements or international standards.

http://www.ecgci.gov.uk/ecgd_case_impact_analysis_process-may_2004-4.pdf