§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Prime Minister if she will urge at the next meeting of the European Council clarification of the extent to which the single market arrangements are proceeding; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterArrangements for the completion of the single European market are proceeding very well. Almost 60 per cent. of the legislation programme is now complete, including a number of important and contentious issues such as the liberalisation of capital movements, the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, and the mergers regulation.
The Irish presidency is maintaining the political momentum, and reached agreement at the Internal Market Council on 22 February to extend public purchasing rules to the energy, telecommunications, water and transport sectors.
§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Prime Minister if she will invite the next meeting of the European Council to review the structure of contributions by member states; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterNo. The review of the Community's finances concluded at the European Council in Brussels on 11 to 13 February 1988 confirmed the arrangements for abating the United Kingdom's contributions. The Fontainebleau mechanism remains totally intact and it will last as long as the new own resources arrangements. Our cumulative benefit from the Fontainebleau mechanism will be some £7.5 billion by the end of 1990.