HL Deb 14 May 1990 vol 519 cc7-8

2.54 p.m.

The Earl of Kinnoull asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they would support the extension of the European Parliament's powers to investigate payments by the European Commission to interest groups within and outside the Community.

Lord Reay

My Lords, we can see the case for extending the Commission's financial accountability to the European Parliament. The European Parliament's Budgetary Control Committee is already responsible for scrutinising the Commission's financial management.

The Earl of Kinnoull

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer. Can he say, following the debate last July initiated by the noble Baroness, Lady Robson, on the report on fraud in the Community, vhether the task force promised by the Commission has now been set up? Further, has there been any reaction by the Commission to the excellent recommendations set out in that report?

Lord Reay

My Lords, the anti-fraud unit to which my noble friend referred was set up last year by the Commission. It published its first annual report earlier this year, which focused on reporting fraud and simplifying legislation. The group of experts has also been set up under the same initiative and has already succeeded in cutting the number of product classifications, particularly in the meat sector.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, can the noble Lord tell the House the amount of money paid to British interest groups by the European Commission? What criteria had to be satisfied before those payments were made?

Lord Reay

My Lords, I am afraid that I have no information with me on the amounts of the payments made to interest groups. I shall happily find that out and let the noble Lord the Leader of the Opposition know about it. I shall possibly place a copy of the information in the Library.

The Earl of Kinnoull

My Lords, is the subject of improved scrutiny of the Commission's work likely to be on the agenda of the inter-governmental conference next December?

Lord Reay

My Lords, the agenda has not yet been set for the inter-governmental conference set up for next December to discuss economic and monetary union. At the Dublin Council on 25th and 26th June a decision will be taken on whether to set up at the same time another inter-governmental conference on political union. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministers of the member states are examining the options for political union. They will report to the Dublin Summit. One of these issues will undoubtedly be the increasing efficiency of the Community institutions. It will cover the subject of any possible changes in the relationship between the European Parliament and the Commission. We shall have our own constructive ideas to put forward on trying to ensure that the Community's institutions are made more effective and more efficient.

Lord Stoddart of Swindon

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that some people might be puzzled about this Question? Who are the "interest groups" within and outside the Community? Can he give us a list of them?

Lord Reay

My Lords, I believe that there is a very long list of interest groups which receive assistance from the Commission. I do not have that list with me, as I indicated in my reply to the noble Lord the Leader of the Opposition. However, I shall make one available to the House.