Mr. O'NeillTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what formal discussions he has had with the European Commission on the possible re-authorisation of the 51W non-fossil fuel obligation, under article 92(3) of the EC treaty, in order to remove Electricité de France's non-leviable status; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Eggar[holding answer 25 March 1993]: My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has placed in the Library of the House a summary of legal advice received on trade in electricity across the interconnector with France. As that indicated, EdF's non-leviable status could not be removed without giving EdF the benefit of levy payments. In view of this, my right hon. Friend does not propose to pursue this with the Commission.