§ Mr. NellistTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on his recent meeting in Strasbourg with the European Commissioners for competition, concerning the proposed takeover by British Aerospace of Rover.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe meeting between my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the European Commissioner with special responsibility for competition policy in Strasbourg on 15 June was one of a series of discussions concerning the state aid aspects of the proposed sale of the Government shareholding in Rover Group to BAe. Such meetings are arranged as necessary to facilitate a full understanding of the United Kingdom case for the aid in order that the Commission can complete its examination as expeditiously as possible.