§ Mr. Martenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the effect of the second stage of the Common Market's proposals for economic and monetary union on United Kingdom budgetary policy and on the secrecy of the Budget until it is announced to Parliament.
§ Mr. DellThe Commission's proposals for economic and monetary union envisage greater co-ordination of budgetary policy, and harmonisation of the instruments and definitions applicable to that policy. On tax harmonisation, it envisages that a programme be drawn up during 1974. There has been no question of any commitment by Her Majesty's Government to discuss changes in taxation with the Commission or other member countries in advance of their being announced to Parliament.