§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent changes there have been in the criteria or regulations for the granting of(a) regional selective assistance and (b) other development aid for expansion by textile firms in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe award of RSA and other development aid in support of expansion projects being undertaken by firms in the textiles and clothing sector is governed by EC state aid rules. Uncertainties arose last year about the need to give prior notification to the Commission of proposed aid to such projects. The temporary procedures introduced while member states reviewed the situation with the Commission, have now been removed and RSA and other forms of Government assistance continues to be available under established criteria.