§ Mr. Spearingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he intends to take at the EEC Council concerning the recommendations and observations of the EEC Audit Court concerning operations of national intervention agencies.
§ Mr. LawsonThe report of the European Court of Auditors on the implementation of the 1977 budget of the European Communities is at present before the European Parliament which under the provisions of article 85 of the financial regulation of 21 December 1977 has the task, acting on a recommendation from the Council dated 8 May 1979, of granting a discharge to the Commission. In the meantime detailed points arising out of the Court's report fall to be considered in the first instance by the relevant institution—in the majority of cases, the Commission. Her Majesty's Government will196W co-operate fully to ensure that any action necessary is taken to improve the technical operation of the common agricultural policy.