HC Deb 25 February 1975 vol 887 cc105-6W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether any provisions of the Industry Bill will require the consent of the EEC to their implementation.

Mr. Benn

The powers of the National Enterprise Board would permit it to do, or to be given a direction to do, things which would be subject to the provisions of the Treaty of Rome or the Treaty of Paris.

The exercise in respect of an EEC resident of the powers in Clauses 9–13 to prevent the transfer of control of important manufacturing undertakings to non-residents would need, in any par- ticular case, to be considered in relation to the provisions of the treaties dealing with capital movements, rights of establishment and the reduction of competition.

The use of the powers in Clauses 14–18 to give financial assistance to industry is subject to the provisions of Articles 92–94 of the Treaty of Rome.