HC Deb 19 December 1994 vol 251 cc910-1W
Mr. Hardy

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what advance has been made in preventing unfair support from public funds of engineering steel production in other EC states which proves disadvantageous to United Kingdom producers.

Mr. Eggar

The Government have consistently pressed for strict implementation of the rules governing state aids to the steel industry. We have continued to impress upon the Commission the importance we attach to rigorous implementation of the monitoring arrangements agreed at the December 1993 Industry Council. At the June 1994 Industry Council, we obtained from the Commission a commitment to take action in the event of any breaches of the conditions agreed in December.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, if he will make a statement on the outcome of the negotiations between the European Commission and the United States Government to update the 1959 US-Euratom nuclear co-operation agreement.

Mr. Charles Wardle

Negotiations between the European Commission and the United States Government are continuing. A copy of the Commission's press release on the occasion of the last negotiating round in October has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. I understand that there will be no further formal negotiation sessions before the new year.