HC Deb 22 July 1986 vol 102 cc125-6W
Mr. Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date his Department was notified of the official notice 85/C18/05 of the European Community Commission regarding its intention to investigate state funding by the French Government to a major manufacturer of textile, packaging and personal hygiene products; what representations his Department has made in response to that notice, and on what date; and what information he has now received from the Commission on its findings.

Mr. Butcher

The Government were formally notified by the European Commission on 4 January 1985 of the opening of an article 93(2) procedure on the state aid in question. The Government made representations to the Commission on 11 March 1985. The Commission has recently told officials that its investigations are complete and that a decision should be issued in the near future.

Mr. Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received from the British Textile Confederation regarding specific state aids to the textile industry in France and Greece; and what response he has made.

Mr. Butcher

The British Textile Confederation wrote to officials in June about state aids granted to textile manufacturers in France and Greece. In response, officials have made inquiries of the Commission and reported back to the confederation.

Mr. Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give details of the representations which his Department has made to the European Community Commission regarding the allegation that the Greek Government have given subsidies to the textile company Piraiki Patraiki, in breach of European Community rules; and whether he has pressed for a formal notice to be issued under article 93(2) of the treaty to investigate these allegations.

Mr. Butcher

Officials have made inquiries of the Commission regarding allegations that subsidies have been granted. The Commission is seeking information from the Greek Government in order to assess the case for opening an article 93(2) procedure.