HL Deb 21 February 1978 vol 389 cc151-2WA
Lord O'HAGAN

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will list all State monopolies that exist in other Member States of the EEC, and make clear the extent to which such monopolies lead to difficulties for British exports.

Lord ORAM

The following State monopolies falling within the accepted definition under Article 37 of the Treaty of Rome still apply certain exclusive importing and marketing rights.

France: (1) Alcohol

(2) Manufactured tobacco

(3) Oil

Italy: (1) Matches

(2) Manufactured tobacco

Germany: Matches

An assessment of their significance for traders is difficult but in the opinion of the services of the Commission, the only remaining significant influence which such monopolies have on trade between Member States is that caused by the match monopoly in Germany and, subject still to demonstration, by exclusive rights covering retail trade in manufactured tobacco and matches in Italy and in manufactured tobacco in France.