§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he is currently having discussions with the Commission about the interest relief grants of 3 per cent. for loans to British suppliers of equipment to projects in the North Sea; whether he has received any complaints from Community Governments about the practice; and whether he proposes to continue or modify the aid scheme introduced under Section 8 of the Industry Act 1972.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonI have been asked to reply.
After discussion with Commission officials, the Government replied on 15th April to the Commission's proposal that the scheme should be extended to other member States. I have received no corn-plaints from other Community Governments about the scheme. No decision to modify the scheme has been taken.