HC Deb 17 November 1998 vol 319 cc555-6W
Mr. Cash

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out the amount of the excessive deficit for the United Kingdom decided by the Council of the European Union under Article 104C(6) of the Maastricht Treaty and the Treaty of the European Union; what plans Her Majesty's Government have, pursuant to Council Declaration 11393/97 to comply with the Council recommendation to bring that situation to an end; within which time scale; and what assessment he has made of the impact on UK(a) taxation and (b) public expenditure. [60008]

Ms Hewitt

As a result of the Government's prudent approach to fiscal policy, the public finances have improved markedly. The Council Recommendation 11393/97 is concerned with the Council Decision of 26 September 1994 on the existence of an excessive deficit in the UK. This Decision was abrogated on 1 May 1998.

Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what statutory force attaches to the EU Council's recommendation of 28 October 1997 that the UK Government achieve a Government deficit that is close to balance when an allowance is made for the economy's cyclical position as projected in the convergence programme; and what extra measures will be required to fulfil this. [60109]

Ms Hewitt

The EU Council's recommendation of 28 October 1997 was non-binding.

Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he took to implement the EU Council recommendation of 28 October 1997 on an excessive Government deficit in the UK; and if he will publish the new convergence programme he submitted in September 1997. [60105]

Ms Hewitt

As a result of the Government's prudent approach to fiscal policy, the public finances have improved markedly. The decision that the UK had an excessive deficit was abrogated by the Council on 1 May 1998. The September 1997 Convergence Programme was sent to the European Legislation Committee of the House of Commons and the Select Committee on the European Communities of the House of Lords on 4 September 1997.

Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the EU Council's conclusions of 13 October 1997 on the UK Government deficit. [60108]

Ms Hewitt

The conclusions of the ECOFIN of 13 October 1997 on the UK deficit were concerned with the Council Decision of 26 September 1994 on the existence of an excessive deficit in the UK. This Decision was abrogated on 1 May 1998.

Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the council decision of 26 September 1974 on Britain's excess in deficit was abrogated; when he applied for this to be abrogated; and if he will make a statement on its impact. [60113]

Ms Hewitt

The Council's decision of 26 September 1994 that the UK had an excessive deficit was abrogated on 1 May 1998.

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