HC Deb 28 November 1995 vol 267 cc539-40W
Mr. Hardy

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the conformity of state aid to Irish Steel Ltd. with the provision of the treaty of Paris and EU policy. [2835]

Mr. Eggar

[holding answer 27 November 1995]: The Commission's proposal to authorise state assistance to Irish Steel contains a proposal for financial assistance which is not permitted by either article 4(c) of the treaty of Paris or the steel aid code. The Commission has therefore requested a derogation from the steel aid rules under article 95 (ECSC), which is subject to the unanimous assent of the Council of Ministers.