(1)   Has the Export Finance Insurance Corporation (EFIC) provided National Interest Cover or any other form of export assistance to the AWB Ltd, in particular, to contracts between AWB Ltd and the Iraq Grains Board under the (a) Commercial Account and (b) National Interest Account; if so, (i) what sums were provided, (ii) on what occasions, and (iii) what formula or factors were used to calculate the assistance.

(2)   In relation to the provision of the export assistance in part (1), did (a) he, (b) his office, (c) his department, and (d) the EFIC seek independent advice on the pricing in the AWB Ltd contracts with the Iraq Grains Board, if so, (i) who provided the advice, (ii) what sum was spent obtaining the advice, and (iii) what conclusions did the advice contain, with respect to the pricing in the contracts.

(3)   In relation to the provision of export assistance in part (1), can he provide details of (a) meetings, whether formal or informal and (b) contact (i) he, (ii) his office, (iii) his department, and (iv) the EFIC had with representatives of the AWB Ltd during the period 1999-2003.

(4)   What steps is he, his department, or the EFIC taking to seek compensation from the AWB Ltd for the provision of export assistance.

(1) (a)   and (b) EFIC has not provided any export assistance to AWB Ltd for sales of wheat to Iraq.

(2)   See answer to (1)

(3) (a)   and (b) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) No discussions of export assistance to AWB Ltd detailed in Part (1) to Iraq were held as no export assistance for sales to Iraq was provided to AWB Ltd.

(4)   Not applicable