§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Trade what action he is proposing to take in regard to the EEC Commission's initiating prosecution against the United Kingdom for its film aid system under article 169 of the Treaty.
§ Mr. TebbitThe Commission has not initiated a "prosecution" against the United Kingdom film aid system. Under article 169 of the treaty we were asked in August of last year for observations on our system of film aids. Other member States received similar requests. Both in discussions and in the formal observations recently sent to the Commission, we have stressed the importance of arrangements that will maintain the essential infrastructure of the British film industry. The Commission's response is awaited.