It has seized on natural disasters, such as earthquakes, to play an active civil-defence role.

ECONOMIST: Chile

He was extradited to the UK in June 1975, and stood trial in 1976 on various charge including theft and forgery, continuing to be an active MP as he fought - unsuccessfully - his own defence, pleading not guilty due to insanity.

BBC: Right honourable no more: The Privy Council quitters

The Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD), however, sees its role less as an active promoter of British exports than as a last-ditch line of defence when the market has no answer (it is also charged with making a profit).

ECONOMIST: British exports: Trading out of trouble | The