§ Mr. HardyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what action has been taken during the last six months to reduce state aid for steel production within the EC. [2962]
§ Mr. EggarThe Commission ordered the repayment of illegal state aid to a steel producer in Germany. Formerly, state-aided companies in Spain, Portugal and Italy have been privatised. At the November 1995 Industry Council, the Commission, while proposing an exceptional derogation for Irish steel, reaffirmed its commitment to avoid putting forward any future requests for derogation from the steel aid rules. The UK Steel Subsidies Monitoring Committee has played a part in maintaining the pressure to end steel subsidies in Europe.
§ Mr. HardyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the current order book of the British steel industry; and what it was in each of the last three years. [2964]
§ Mr. EggarInformation on orders outstanding is not available. Figures of total orders booked in each of the last four years are in the table.
UK steel industry products Total orders booked 12 months ending September Million tonnes 19921 13.8 1993 14.0 1994 14.9 1995 14.5 Note:
153 week period.
Source:
1SSB Ltd.