HC Deb 29 April 1974 vol 872 cc755-6
12. Mr. Le Marchant

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the Selby coal developments qualify for aid from the European Investment Bank or other Community sources.

Mr. Eadie

It is expected that the Selby coal developments would qualify for loans towards their capital cost from the European Investment Bank or other Community sources.

Mr. Le Marchant

Does the Under-Secretary therefore recognise that it is very much in the national interest that he should go as soon as possible to the European Investment Bank to get a loan for this purpose?

Mr. Eadie

If the hon. Gentleman wants information about the criteria for qualifying for a loan, I shall be pleased to write to him. It is a very complicated matter.

Mr. Kelley

Will my hon. Friend say whether there is any difficulty about going to a source other than the European Investment Bank?

Mr. Eadie

I know of no difficulty.