§ Mr. Spenceasked the Secretary of State for Industry what information he has as to the willingness of French financial institutions to make loans to French industry on condition that they buy French manufactured goods; and if he will ask the European Commission to ascertain whether this breaches Community rules.
§ Mr. ButcherI am aware that a number of French parastatal financial institutions state that, as a condition of the most favourable terms of credit, not more than 15 per cent. of the capital equipment to be financed should be purchased abroad. The Commission of the European Communities has opened proceedings against France for infringement of article 30 of the Treaty of Rome in this matter.