asked the Secretary of State for Industry what representations he has received from the Common Market on the subject of the Anglo-Polish agreement for the building of six new shallow-draft bulk carriers; if he will undertake not to allow any representations to influence any agreements to build these ships or any terms included in any such agreement; and if he will make a statement.

It would not be helpful to the industry to disclose the substance of discussions with the Commission on any case for support under the intervention fund, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government continue to make every effort to assist the industry to secure orders on terms acceptable to all the parties concerned.