HC Deb 07 July 1982 vol 27 cc284-5
46. Mr. Jay

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will ensure that the Council of Ministers considers the report by the EEC Court of Auditors concerning the expenses of Members of the EEC Assembly.

Mr. Hurd

The report was addressed to the European Parliament, as the Parliament administers its own budget. The President of the Parliament has announced his intention to correct any irregularities identified in the report. I hope and believe that he will.

Mr. Jay

As British taxpayers' money is involved in paying for the EEC, what action are British Ministers taking to check the disreputable financial practices of some Members of the Assembly, which are discrediting the entire institution?

Mr. Hurd

That is a matter for the European Parliament, and the President is obviously active in seeking to clear it up. The right hon. Gentleman will probably agree that the real sanction in this matter is not the views of Ministers but the views of the electorate. That is probably the more powerful sanction.

Mr. Body

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that those Assembly people receive an allowance of £19,000 per year for their secretaries and an allowance of 35p per mile for travelling around their constituencies? If that is so, is there any need for fiddling?

Mr. Hurd

I cannot answer for the figures for the allowance, as they are fixed by the European Parliament itself. Salaries are a matter for the Government and therefore for this House and, as my hon. Friend knows, the salaries are the same as our own.

Mr. Heffer

Has the right hon. Gentleman noted that some so-called MEPs are likely to lose £4,500 per year under the new proposals, and quite rightly so, and that, at the same time as arguing about their financial position, they agreed by 257 votes to 37 that the powers of the organisation should be increased and that it should supposedly be made into a proper Parliament? Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that at all stages the Government will oppose any propositions of that kind?

Mr. Hurd

I gave the hon. Gentleman that assurance in the debate on the powers of the Parliament and related matters about a week ago.