§ Q8. Mr. Laneasked the Prime Minister what instructions he has given to Ministers to ensure that no hidden subsidies from public funds are granted to any company or consortium establishing an aluminium smelter in Great Britain.
§ Q9. Mr. Emeryasked the Prime Minister what instructions he has given to Ministers concerning the subsidisation of any proposal for an aluminium smelter; and what is the cost to the Exchequer, excluding normal investment grants, of each proposal made to the Government to establish and operate one or more aluminimum smelters in Great Britain.
§ The Prime MinisterNone. Such instructions would be neither necessary nor appropriate. For the rest I would remind hon. Members that confidential discussions are in train and ask them to await the statement that has already been promised to the House.