[Sir Alan Haselhurst in the Chair] — Clause 1 — Incorporation of provisions of the Treaty of Nice

Part of Orders of the Day — European Communities (Amendment) Bill — [2nd Allotted Day] – in the House of Commons at 9:00 pm on 17 July 2001.

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Photo of Mr Denzil Davies Mr Denzil Davies Labour, Llanelli 9:00, 17 July 2001

That could be the case. We would like to know why we find concern about the supply of products in article 100.

What sort of measures could be deemed appropriate? Paragraph 1 of article 100 does not mention money, although it could be referring to state aids. I am sure that the Foreign Office is well aware of these things and that there are bundles of papers in the basement somewhere to explain the drafting of the clause.

I raised paragraph 2 of article 100 previously. It says:

"Where a Member State is in difficulties or is seriously threatened with severe difficulties caused by natural disasters"— we understand that; it was in the original article in a different place—

"or exceptional occurrences beyond its control, the Council, acting by a qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission, may grant, under certain conditions, Community financial assistance".

What exceptional occurrences?