Mr. J. Enoch Powellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what additional expenditure fell to be met in the year 1980–81 and the preceding years, respectively, by reason of the payment in sterling by the European Assembly of allowances due in Irish pounds; and in which financial year or years he expects such additional expenditure to be recouped.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweThe Court of Auditors in its special report on the Member's cash office of the European Parliament, published in theOfficial Journal No. C 202 Vol. 25. 5-8-82, identified 80 cases in 1980 and 1981 where allowances which should have been paid in Irish pounds were paid in pounds sterling. These payments totalled 15,000 ecu (£8,977 sterling, converted at the average ecu/sterling exchange rate for 1980.) The European Parliament in its reply to the Court of Auditors has said that recoveries are being made as necessary.