§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the control mechanisms available to Her Majesty's Government in respect of EEC budgetary expenditures.
§ Mr. NottHer Majesty's Government's contributions to the Community budget are subject to the same formal controls as other expenditure from the Consolidated Fund, but the primary responsibility for the control of Community expenditure rests with the Commission. Like other member Governments, Her Majesty's Government participate in all decisions involving Community expenditure as they are taken throughout the year, as well as in the scrutiny of the Community's annual budget. Her Majesty's Government is also represented in the committees which assist the Commission on the management of the agricultural and social funds. Finally, Her Majesty's Government takes part at the Council of Ministers in the examination of the annual budget accounts and the Audit Board's report on them. As my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary has said, we want to see as effective accounting and audit procedures in the EEC as possible. Community expenditure in the United Kingdom through the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce and the Department of Employment is subject to normal departmental control and to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.