§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether the European Commission was consulted or informed about the Government's decision to widen the differential in regional selective financial assistance in favour of special development areas before the decision; and, if so, what was their response.
Mr. Alan WilliamsNaturally the Commission was notified, in accordance with our obligations under Articles 92–94 of the Treaty of Rome, of our intention
14Windex number form for the years 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975 and 1976 of (a) the export prices of manufactured products, (b) the domestic wholesale prices of manufactured produce, (c) labour costs per unit of output, and (d) the ratio of the dollar price of their manufactured exports to a dollar index of world export prices and manufactures, to be noted in local currency.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldThe information expressed in index form, is as follows:
to increase the level of aid available in special development areas.
The Commission raised no objections to the proposed changes, on the understanding that the Commission ceilings on aid would continue to be observed.