§ Mr. MadelTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether any proposal by the Government to give financial aid to the motor vehicle sector must be notified to the EEC Commission in advance of any actual financial aid given; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Atkins[holding answer 6 February 1989]: Using its powers under the state aids provisions of the EEC Treaty, the Commission has recently introduced a Community framework for state aids to the vehicle sector. From 1 January 1989 any proposal by Governments or other public authorities to give financial assistance to a manufacturer of motor vehicles or motor vehicle engines must be prenotified for clearance by the Commission if the cost of the project exceeds 12 million ecu (about £8 million).