§ Mr. Brocklebank-Fowlerasked the Lord Privy Seal what representations he has made concerning the low proportion of contracts financed by the European development fund, which are awarded to British industry.
§ Mr. Neil MartenThe Government are much concerned about this question and have drawn attention to it within the machinery of the Council of Ministers. There have been frequent discussions with the European Commission, which is very sensitive to the present imbalances, about the reasons for our relatively small share of EDF procurement. This is an essential first step towards identifying corrective action. Secondly, there is a need to stimulate greater interest on the part of British industry and to ensure that firms are fully aware of the opportunities available. To this end, action is being taken by my right hon. Friends at the Department of Trade and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.