§ Mr. Lyellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what response has been received from the European Commission to his representations that the European Commission should take all possible steps against the Dutch Government under article 93.2 of the treaty of Rome in relation to the granting of preferential gas prices to Dutch growers.
§ Mrs. FennerThe European Commission has instituted proceedings under article 93(2) of the Treaty of Rome in relation to the preferential gas price to Dutch horticulturists. This article gives the Commission powers to abolish or alter a state aid within a specified period of time if, after receiving comments from the parties concerned, it considers that the aid is not compatible with the common market or is being misused. The Commission is now considering what action to take in the light of comments received.