-
M
is,
Mr Checketts) I think the short answer for that and
I have to speak, Mr Mikardo, from my personal experience
yes. If industry does its homework, and that is just as
important as the Departments doing their homework, if industry
does its homework and lives within the air of the possible then
the support from DOT and PEP which is the division you are
referring to is extremely good.
G
165. During the course of a study we made last year, which
did not relate to this area but export in general, some witnesses
said they thought British firms were a bit disadvantaged in
insurance against escalation of tender prices by comparison
with some of their overseas' competitors. Have you found that
in respect of this area?
(Mr Checketts) I have no personal experience of that.
I do not know whether any members of my committee have.
(Mr Young) I think Mr Mikardo, I do not have the
impression that this has been a major problem recently.
I think
to some extent this is because exchange rates and the level
of sterling have been more constant. It was a problem and it
was well handled by ECGD and the Department of Trade when it
was a problem two to three years ago. Your earlier question
was near to that time and perhaps more in people's minds. That
is the impression I personally have.
(Mr Checketts)
The problem is rates, of course, in fact,
inflation is so much less than it was.
Sir Peter Emery
166. was going on from the support for large projects
to just delineate a little between the two departments. I
was wondering whether you were able to add, in fact, to the
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