§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Industry what discussions he had with leaders of trades unions before coming to his decision to grant a further £990 million of public funds to BL Ltd.
§ Mr. TebbitNone.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Industry to what extent the settlement of the payments to British Leyland have to be endorsed or cleared with the European Economic Commission; to what extent the French Government have made complaints concerning this matter; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TebbitMy right hon. Friend said in the course of his statement on BL of 26 January 1981 that clearance from the EEC Commission will be needed for the Government's funding for BL. This is to comply with the requirements of article 93 of the Treaty of Rome, and a formal notification to the Commission has been made. I have received no complaints from the French Government on this matter.