§ Sir Cranley OnslowTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent representations he has made to the European Commission to investigate state aids to the aluminium producers Inespal of Spain and Pechiney of France; and what response he has received.
§ Mr. EggarMy Department has drawn these cases to the Commission's attention. The Commission has investigated the claims, but has so far found no evidence to substantiate them. We will continue to monitor the situation carefully.
§ Sir Cranley OnslowTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent representations he has made to the EFTA surveillance authority to investigate state aids to the aluminium producer Austria Metal; and what response he has received.
§ Mr. EggarFollowing representations from my Department, the Commission agreed to draw this case to the attention of the EFTA surveillance authority. When we have a response I will write to inform my right hon. Friend of the result.