To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effect of the reduction or removal of trade credit insurance on the exports of small and medium-sized enterprises. (273229)

[holding answer 13 May 2009]: The Government are aware of the problems that some businesses are facing in getting access to short-term export finance. ECGD is consulting on a new facility to support UK exporters by sharing risk with banks that confirm letters of credit for UK exporters. The Export Credits Guarantee Department is also considering other potential interventions in the short-term market.