Edward Leigh
Main Page: Edward Leigh (Conservative - Gainsborough)(3 years, 7 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Stuart Andrew
As the hon. Gentleman mentions, the Adjournment debate today will be on that very issue. He will have another opportunity to raise the issue at Transport questions next Thursday, and I am sure he will do so.
Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con)
May we have a debate on state aid? I am mystified why this should be a problem in the free trade talks. Will the acting Leader of the House confirm—indeed, will the Government confirm—that we have no intention of returning to the failed policies of the 1970s and that we have no intention of propping up failed companies or picking winners? If the Leader of the House was here, he could give us a lecture on the failed policies of 18th century mercantilism and the failed policies of autarky. Let us have a firm statement from the Government that the only freedom we want to have on state aid is to give less state aid than the EU norm. Let us have it now.
Stuart Andrew
My right hon. Friend will be delighted to know that we are having that debate on Monday, when those can points can be made.