Steel Industry

Lady Hermon Excerpts

Wednesday 28th October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Ms Eagle]

My hon. Friend’s comments speak for themselves.

[Lady Hermon (North Down) (Ind)]

When this Conservative Government were considering devolving to the Northern Ireland Assembly the power to set their own corporation tax, they were exceedingly concerned that that would be a state aid and illegal under EU legislation. However, where there is a will there is a way, and within the Stormont House talks the Government have been able to devolve that power to set corporation tax. This Government should have the will to save the steel industry in this country, and ensure that such aid is not illegal under the state aid rules.

[Ms Eagle]

The hon. Lady is correct. Many EU Governments manage to deal with the state aid rules far more creatively than this Government.