HC Deb 21 May 1993 vol 225 cc347-8W
Mr. Leighton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the maximum ceilings for regional state aid for each of the member states of the EC.

Mr. Needham

I have been asked to reply.

The maximum ceilings for regional state aids for each of the member states are laid down by the European Commission in its communication on the method for the application of article 92(3) (a) and (c) to regional aid—Official Journal C 212 of 12 August 1988.Within each member state, the permitted rate of assistance may vary within this ceiling depending on the kind, intensity or urgency of the regional problems the assistance is designed to combat.

Percentage
Belgium 25
Denmark 30
France 125
Germany 23
Greece 75
Italy 115
Ireland 75
Luxembourg 25
The Netherlands 20
Portugal 75
Spain 145
United Kingdom 130

1Some areas of these countries are designated as article 92(3) (a) EEC areas—where the standard of living is abnormally low or where there is serious underemployment—and, as such, are permitted aid intensity of up to 75 per cent.