HC Deb 10 March 1975 vol 888 c23
21. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, if he will make a statement on the EEC plans for exercising measures of control on the United Kingdom's industrial and regional policies.

Mr. Benn

All the industrial and regional policies of all member States involving State aids are subject to the provisions of the Treaties of Rome and Paris, which conferred power of decision upon the Commission. It is one of the Government's renegotiation objectives to ensure the retention by Parliament of the powers which we need to pursue effective regional, industrial and fiscal policies.

Mr. Marten

As there has been no apparent progress, so far, on the latter point which the Minister mentioned, does he not agree that there is still some way to go before the pledge on which the party opposite was elected can be honoured? Will the right hon. Gentleman make this point to his cabinet colleagues in the near future?

Mr. Benn

I do not think I can anticipate the discussions which are currently taking place, but I sought to answer the hon. Gentleman's question.