HC Deb 22 January 1981 vol 997 c219W
20. Mr. Newens

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide British glasshouse growers with direct assistance to enable them to compete on an equal basis with other glasshouse growers within the European Economic Community who enjoy access to cheaper supplies of fuel.

21. Mr. Marland

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further progress he has made in ensuring that the United Kingdom glasshouse horticultural industry is not disadvantaged by energy subsidies being awarded to its competitors within the European Economic Community.

Mr. Wiggin

I have continued to impress upon the European Community Commission the urgency of eliminating practices contrary to the competition rules of the Rome Treaty. I understand the Commission has received a response from the Netherlands Government and is now considering the next step in its legal action to secure removal of the Dutch preferential gas tariff.