§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Lord Privy Seal if it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to accept that the EEC now has a budget for 1981 agreed under the procedures laid down in the Treaty of Rome and subsequent legislation.
§ Sir Ian GilmourYes.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Lord Privy Seal which EEC countries have not accepted the 1981 budget as approved by the European Assembly; what action they have taken in consequence; and what is the attitude of Her Majesty's Government to the issues involved.
§ Sir Ian GilmourFrance and Germany are withholding part of their contributions to the 1981 budget. All other member States, including the United Kingdom, are paying in full. We understand that the German Government have initiated action before the European Court.
Her Majesty's Government see no reason to challenge the Commission's decision to implement the budget as adopted.