FOOD AND DRINK EXPORTS

That this House praises the efforts of UK food and drink exporters to keep building their overseas sales in what are very challenging international trading conditions; welcomes the data published by the Food and Drink Federation showing that food and drink exports were worth £4.82 billion in the first six months of 2009, up 10 per cent. in value terms on the year before; but notes with concern that many international competitors are benefiting from state-provided insurance cover; and urges the Government to extend its trade credit insurance scheme beyond the end of 2009 and to support an international scheme to ensure that UK exporters can compete on a level playing field.