HC Deb 12 December 1983 vol 50 c297W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Prime Minister, in respect of the Athens meeting, which Heads of Government publicly adhere to the principle that levels of agricultural expenditure in the European Community should be determined by Finance and not Agriculture Ministers.

The Prime Minister

There is general agreement that agricultural spending must be controlled. This is a responsibility for all Ministers and all the community institutions.

A number of member states share our view that Finance Ministers should be more closely involved to ensure that revenue determines expenditure, not the reverse.