HC Deb 22 July 1977 vol 935 cc743-4W
Mr. Kenneth Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what are the present ceilings imposed by the EEC on financial aids to investment in assisted areas; whether there are any proposals pending to alter these ceilings; and what effect the ceilings are having on British policy.

Mr. Alun Williams

The EEC ceilings on aids to investment in assisted areas are set out in the communication from the Commission to the Council on general systems of regional aid (R/650/75 dated 3rd March 1975), a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. The ceilings for Great Britain are expressed in terms of the "net grant equivalent", which is the post-tax discounted value of the aid given. The ceilings are due to be reviewed at the end of 1977. In granting regional aid, the Government ensure that the appropriate ceiling is observed.