HL Deb 07 June 1994 vol 555 cc73-4WA
Lord Brougham and Vaux

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What actions may be taken in retaliation for the continued refusal of the Spanish authorities to allow the British company Cenargo to operate a ferry service between Spain and Morocco in accordance with EC regulations; and whether the case will be raised at the European Transport Council in view of the continuing failure of the Commission to initiate infraction proceedings against Spain on this case under Article 169 of the Treaty of Rome.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish)

We believe that action by the European Commission, backed up by continuing diplomatic representations to Spain, offers the best prospect of a satisfactory outcome to this matter. The European Commission has decided to open infraction proceedings against Spain, and we hope that the formal Article 169 letter will issue before the Transport Council.