asked the Secretary of State for Industry what are his obligations in respect of consultation with the EEC prior to the provision of financial assistance to British firms.

Article 93.3 of the Treaty of Rome requires that the Commission should be informed, in sufficient time to enable it to submit its comments, of any plans to grant or alter grants of aid. If it chooses to object, the treaties give the Commission the power to prevent our action unless we are able to persuade the European Court or the Council, which by unanimous agreement of member States can reverse a Commission decision.