§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received from the EEC Commission about the limit to foreign shareholdings in Rolls-Royce plc; and what parts of the treaty of Rome have been quoted by the Commission in relation to such representations.
§ Mr. Atkins[holding answer 7 February 1989]Discussions with the Commission are continuing. The Government consider that the limit on foreign shareholdings is justified by article 223 of the European Community treaty which allows a member state to take such measures as it considers necessary for the protection of the essential interests of its security.