asked the Secretary of State for Industry what studies are being carried out by the European Commission into the workings of British regional policy; and what information Her Majesty's Government are giving to the Commission to assist in such studies.
The Commission is required, in accordance with Article 93 of the Treaty of Rome and in co-operation with member States, to keep under constant review all systems of aid in the member States. To this end, the Commission will be reviewing the United Kingdom's system of regional aids. Following a request from the Commission,
Very recent information on price competitiveness is not available. The following table shows movements in the dollar price of United Kingdom exports as a proportion of the weighted exports for other industrialised countries up to the first quarter of this year; 1970=100:
the Government are providing some preliminary statistical information.