HC Deb 02 December 1992 vol 215 cc257-8W
Mr. Michael Brown

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has made to the EC about subsidies paid by Germany to the German coal industry; and what EC rules and conditions apply to them.

Mr. Eggar

We have made representations to the Commission about contract arrangements in Germany which could have the effect of excluding other Community producers, including British producers. All aids by member states to their coal industries must be approved by the Commission within the terms of decision 2064/86/ECSC.