Iran: Export Credit Guarantees

Lord Hanningfield
asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Further to the Written Answers by Lord Truscott on 19 March (WA 167) and Lord Sainsbury of Turville on 7 November 2006 (WA 125–6) on export credit guarantees for Iran, which companies approached the Export Control Organisation for advice; and what advice was given in each case. [HL2912]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Truscott)
The Export Control Organisation deals with applications for export or trade licences and requests for advice as to whether such licences are required. I cannot, however, release information about requests for ECO advice, or advice provided, as it is commercially confidential.

I can, however, say that all requests for advice on whether licences are required in relation to Iran are given full and careful consideration. All licence applications are rigorously assessed against the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria. Where the Government believe that the proposed export would contravene any of the criteria, they will refuse the application.