Strasbourg, 24/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - In Strasbourg on Tuesday, the Economic and Monetary Committee refused to follow the suggestions of its rapporteur, Danish Liberal Karin Riis-Jorgensen, to reject the temporary defence mechanism suggested by the European Commission to support European shipyards that are faced with South Korean dumping practices. In a vote that closely reflected the divisions in the Council, 13 MEPs (mainly British, Dutch, Danish and Swedish) voted to reject the Commission's proposal while 21 opposed its rejection; The report incorporates a number of amendments from the Industry Committee laying down the type of vessels (oiltankers, gas tankers and ferries) for which shipyards can receive aid and putting off until 31 December 2003 (rather than 2002) the expiry date for the mechanism. The plenary will issue its final opinion (under the consultation procedure) on the draft Regulation in November. The General Affairs Council will look at the issue at its meeting in Luxembourg on Monday.